bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instream Large Wood: Denitrification Hotspots with Low N2O Production
Authors: Lazar Julia G. , Gold Arthur J. , Addy Kelly , Mayer Paul M. , Forshay Kenneth J. , Groffman Peter M.
Published: June 2014

We examined the effect of instream large wood on denitrification capacity in two contrasting, lower order streams — one that drains an agricultural watershed with no riparian forest and minimal stores of instream large wood and another that drains a forested watershed with an extensive riparian forest and abundant instream large wood. We incubated two types of wood substrates (fresh wood blocks and extant streambed wood) and an artificial stone substrate for nine weeks in each stream. Afterin situincubation, we collected the substrates and their attached biofilms and established laboratory‐based mesocosm assays with stream water amended with15N‐labeled nitrate‐N. Wood substrates at the forested site had significantly higher denitrification than wood substrates from the agricultural site and artificial stone substrates from either site. Nitrate‐N removal rates were markedly higher on woody substrates compared to artificial stones at both sites. Nitrate‐N removal rates were significantly correlated with biofilm biomass. Denitrification capacity accounted for only a portion of nitrate‐N removal observed within the mesocosms in both the wood controls and instream substrates. N2accounted for 99.7% of total denitrification. Restoration practices that generate large wood in streams should be encouraged for N removal and do not appear to generate high risks of instream N2O generation.
Streamside Forest Buffer Width Needed to Protect Stream Water Quality, Habitat, and Organisms: A Literature Review
Authors: Sweeney Bernard W. , Newbold J. Denis
Published: June 2014

This literature review addresses how wide a streamside forest buffer needs to be to protect water quality, habitat, and biota for small streams (≤~100 km2or ~5th order watershed) with a focus on eight functions: (1)subsurface nitrate removalvaried inversely with subsurface water flux and for sites with water flux >50 l/m/day (~40% avg base flow to Chesapeake Bay) median removal efficiency was 55% (26‐64%) for buffers <40 m wide and 89% (27‐99%) for buffers >40 m wide; (2)sediment trappingwas ~65 and ~85% for a 10‐ and 30‐m buffer, respectively, based on streamside field or experimentally loaded sites; (3)stream channel widthwas significantly wider when bordered by ~25‐m buffer (relative to no forest) with no additional widening for buffers ≥25 m; (4)channel meandering and bank erosionwere lower in forest but more studies are needed to determine the effect of buffer width; (5)temperatureremained within 2°C of levels in a fully forested watershed with a buffer ≥20 m but full protection against thermal change requires buffers ≥30 m; (6)large woody debris(LWD) has been poorly studied but we infer a buffer width equal to the height of mature streamside trees (~30 m) can provide natural input levels; (7, 8)macroinvertebrate and fish communities, and their instream habitat, remain near a natural or semi‐natural state when buffered by ≥30 m of forest. Overall, buffers ≥30 m wide are needed to protect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of small streams.
Does Riparian Forest Restoration Thinning Enhance Biodiversity? The Ecological Importance of Large Wood
Authors: Pollock Michael M. , Beechie Timothy J.
Published: June 2014

Intact riparian ecosystems are rich in biological diversity, but throughout the world, many have been degraded. Biodiversity declines, particularly of vertebrates, have led to experimental efforts to restore riparian forests by thinning young stands to accelerate creation of large diameter live trees. However, many vertebrates depend on large diameter deadwood that is standing as snags or fallen to the forest floor or fallen into streams. Therefore, we reviewed the sizes of deadwood and live trees used by different vertebrate species to understand which species are likely to benefit from different thinning treatments. We then examined how riparian thinning affects the long‐term development of both large diameter live trees and deadwood. To this end, we used a forest growth model to examine how different forest thinning intensities might affect the long‐term production and abundance of live trees and deadwood. Our results suggest that there are long‐term habitat tradeoffs associated with different thinning intensities. Species that utilize large diameter live trees will benefit most from heavy thinning, whereas species that utilize large diameter deadwood will benefit most from light or no thinning. Because far more vertebrate species utilize large deadwood rather than large live trees, allowing riparian forests to naturally develop may result in the most rapid and sustained development of structural features important to most terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates.
Cropland Riparian Buffers throughout Chesapeake Bay Watershed: Spatial Patterns and Effects on Nitrate Loads Delivered to Streams
Authors: Weller Donald E. , Baker Matthew E.
Published: June 2014

We used statistical models to provide the first empirical estimates of riparian buffer effects on the cropland nitrate load to streams throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. For each of 1,964 subbasins, we quantified the 1990 prevalence of cropland and riparian buffers. Cropland was considered buffered if the topographic flow path connecting it to a stream traversed a streamside forest or wetland. We applied a model that predicts stream nitrate concentration based on physiographic province and the watershed proportions of unbuffered and buffered cropland. We used another model to predict annual streamflow based on precipitation and temperature, and then multiplied the predicted flows and concentrations to estimate 1990 annual nitrate loads. Across the entire Chesapeake watershed, croplands released 92.3 Gg of nitrate nitrogen, but 19.8 Gg of that was removed by riparian buffers. At most, 29.4 Gg more might have been removed if buffer gaps were restored so that all cropland was buffered. The other 43.1 Gg of cropland load cannot be addressed with riparian buffers. The Coastal Plain physiographic province provided 52% of the existing buffer reduction of Bay‐wide nitrate loads and 36% of potential additional removal from buffer restoration in cropland buffer gaps. Existing and restorable nitrate removal in buffers were lower in the other three major provinces because of less cropland, lower buffer prevalence, and lower average buffer nitrate removal efficiency.
miRNA‐940 reduction contributes to human Tetralogy of Fallot development
Authors: Liang Dandan , Xu Xinran , Deng Fangfei , Feng Jing , Zhang Hong , Liu Ying , Zhang Yangyang , Pan Lei , Liu Yi , Zhang Dasheng , Li Jun , Liang Xingqun , Sun Yunfu , Xiao Junjie , Chen Yi‐Han
Published: June 2014

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital heart defect and the microRNAs regulation in TOF development is largely unknown. Herein, we explored the role of miRNAs in TOF. Among 75 dysregulated miRNAs identified from human heart tissues, miRNA‐940 was the most down‐regulated one. Interestingly, miRNA‐940 was most highly expressed in normal human right ventricular out‐flow tract comparing to other heart chambers. As TOF is caused by altered proliferation, migration and/or differentiation of the progenitor cells of the secondary heart field, we isolated Sca‐1+ human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hCMPC) for miRNA‐940 function analysis. miRNA‐940 reduction significantly promoted hCMPCs proliferation and inhibited hCMPCs migration. We found that JARID2 is an endogenous target regulated by miRNA‐940. Functional analyses showed that JARID2 also affected hCMPCs proliferation and migration. Thus, decreased miRNA‐940 affects the proliferation and migration of the progenitor cells of the secondary heart field by targeting JARID2 and potentially leads to TOF development.
The molecular and cellular effects of ageing on the periodontal ligament
Authors: Lim Won Hee , Liu Bo , Mah Su‐Jung , Chen Serafine , Helms Jill A.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Many in vitro studies have investigated age‐related biological changes in cells comprising the periodontium but the basic question of whether the periodontium can maintain its integrity with age remains unanswered. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand how, in the absence of disease, advancing age impacts the structure of the periodontium.

Materials and Methods

Of 4, 10, 25, and 50‐week‐old mice were examined using histology and immunohistochemical analyses for cell proliferation, cell turnover, collagen quantity and quality, osteogenic markers, bone turnover, and cytokine expression.

Results

The periodontal ligament (PDL) space shows a gradual decrease in width over the lifespan of the mice. Cell proliferation as well as the quantity and quality of collagen fibres decreased with age although cell density did not appear to be altered. Osteoprogenitor markers in the PDL maintained their expression with increasing age. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity decreased, but osteoclast activity increased with age.

Conclusions

Ageing is associated with a decline in the quality and quantity of collagen and an increase in bone resorption, all of which can diminish the function of the periodontium even in the absence of disease.
Precision of the age–length increments of three cyprinids: effects of fish number and sub‐sampling strategy
Authors: Busst G. M. , Britton J. R.
Published: June 2014

The effects of number of fish that are aged and scale sub‐sampling strategies on the precision of estimates of mean age–length increments from populations of Rutilus rutilus, Leuciscus leuciscus and Leuciscus cephalus were tested. Analyses used data derived from river fish communities in eastern England, U.K.. Regarding the number of fishes analysed in each age group, for each species and mean fork‐length increment at age, significant relationships were detected between sample size (n) and the coefficient of variation of the mean (Z) and mean length increment and measured variance (s2). This enabled calculation of the number of scales for producing a mean length increment at age according to . Outputs indicated that the number of scales requiring ageing increased substantially as precision increased, but with little variation between species per age category. Ageing between seven and 12 scales per age group would thus provide estimates at 10% precision. As the ages of fishes are not known in advance of scale ageing, the effect of scale sub‐sampling regime on precision was also tested using randomized strategies of 10 fish per 5 mm, five per 5 mm, three per 5 mm, 10 per 10 mm, five per 10 mm and three per 10 mm. These were applied to the datasets and the consequences of their reduction in the number of scales for precision were determined using . When compared to no sub‐sampling, three per 10 mm always significantly reduced data precision, whereas 10 per 5 mm never significantly reduced precision. These outputs can thus be applied to the design of fish sampling protocols where age and growth estimates are required, with the randomized sub‐sampling likely to be the most useful strategy.
Subjective Word‐Finding Difficulty Reduces Engagement in Social Leisure Activities in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Farrell Meagan T. , Zahodne Laura B. , Stern Yaakov , Dorrejo Jhedy , Yeung Philip , Cosentino Stephanie
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To assess the influence of subjective word‐finding difficulty on degree of engagement in social leisure activities among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design

Analysis of data collected from the second cohort of the Multicenter Study of Predictors of Disease Course in Alzheimer's disease.

Setting

Four study sites in the United States and France.

Participants

Individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate AD (N = 236).

Measurements

On separate questionnaires, participants were asked to 1) report whether they had trouble finding the right word when speaking (subjective word‐finding difficulty) and 2) rate their frequency and enjoyment of social and nonsocial leisure activities. Objective language measures included object naming and verbal fluency. Measures of dependence, depression, cognitive status, age, sex, and education were also included as covariates in regression analyses.

Results

Fifty‐two percent of the sample reported word‐finding difficulty, and subjective complaints were correlated with poorer verbal fluency scores. Subjective word‐finding difficulty was selectively related to social but not nonsocial activity measures. Endorsers of word‐finding difficulty reported less frequency and enjoyment of social leisure activities, controlling for effects of covariates and objective word‐finding ability. In contrast, lower engagement in nonsocial activities was associated with older age and higher depression scores but not with word‐finding complaints. Caregivers' reports of study participants' activities corroborated these results.

Conclusion

Individuals with AD who are aware of increasing word‐finding failures are less likely to participate in and enjoy socially oriented leisure activities. This finding may have significant implications for clinical and health outcomes in AD. Failure to evaluate subjective language complaints could result in social withdrawal symptoms, threatening the individual's quality of life and increasing caregiver burden. Reduced social interaction may ultimately exacerbate language symptoms over time.
Cereal, fruit and vegetable fibre intake and the risk of the metabolic syndrome: a prospective study in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Hosseinpour‐Niazi S. , Mirmiran P. , Mirzaei S. , Azizi F.
Published: June 2014

Background

The present study aimed to determine whether total fibre or specific fibre food sources are associated with the incidence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) after 3 years of follow‐up in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

Methods

This population‐based prospective study, conducted within the framework of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, included 1582 adults, who were aged 19–84 years and free of MetS at baseline. Usual dietary fibre intake was assessed at baseline using a 168‐item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and 3 years later. The MetS was defined according to the definition of the revised Adult treatment Panel III.

Results

During the 3‐year follow‐up, there was 15.2% incidence of MetS. Among sources of dietary fibre, fruit fibre was significantly and inversely associated with the occurrence of MetS, after adjustment for confounding factors, with a 21% lower risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60–0.97] in the highest tertile of intake compared to the lowest tertile. Subjects in the highest tertile of cereal fibre intake had lower odds of MetS compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.52– 0.97) and this association disappeared after adjustment for confounders. No significant association was found between intakes of vegetables, legumes and nut fibre with the incidence of MetS.

Conclusions

Among specific fibre food sources, fruit fibre had a protective effect against the risk of MetS.
Microscopy and microanalysis of complex nanosized strengthening precipitates in new generation commercial Al–Cu–Li alloys
Authors: GUINEL M.J.‐F. , BRODUSCH N. , SHA G. , SHANDIZ M.A. , DEMERS H. , TRUDEAU M. , RINGER S.P. , GAUVIN R.
Published: June 2014

Precipitates (ppts) in new generation aluminum–lithium alloys (AA2099 and AA2199) were characterised using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Results obtained on the following ppts are reported: Guinier–Preston zones, T1 (Al2CuLi), β’ (Al3Zr) and δ’ (Al3Li). The focus was placed on their composition and the presence of minor elements. X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectrometry in the electron microscopes and mass spectrometry in the atom probe microscope showed that T1 ppts were enriched in zinc (Zn) and magnesium up to about 1.9 and 3.5 at.%, respectively. A concentration of 2.5 at.% Zn in the δ’ ppts was also measured. Unlike Li and copper, Zn in the T1 ppts could not be detected using electron energy‐loss spectroscopy in the transmission electron microscope because of its too low concentration and the small sizes of these ppts. Indeed, Monte Carlo simulations of EEL spectra for the Zn L2,3 edge showed that the signal‐to‐noise ratio was not high enough and that the detection limit was at least 2.5 at.%, depending on the probe current. Also, the simulation of X‐ray spectra confirmed that the detection limit was exceeded for the Zn Kα X‐ray line because the signal‐to‐noise ratio was high enough in that case, which is in agreement with our observations.
Subcortical Band Heterotopia in Rat Offspring Following Maternal Hypothyroxinaemia: Structural and Functional Characteristics
Authors: Gilbert M. E. , Ramos R. L. , McCloskey D. P. , Goodman J. H.
Published: June 2014

Thyroid hormones (TH) play crucial roles in brain maturation and are important for neuronal migration and neocortical lamination. Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) represent a class of neuronal migration errors in humans that are often associated with childhood epilepsy. We have previously reported the presence of SBH in a rodent model of low level hypothyroidism induced by maternal exposure to the goitrogen, propylthiouracil (PTU). In the present study, we report the dose–response characteristics of this developmental malformation and the connectivity of heterotopic neurones with other brain regions, as well as their functionality. Pregnant rats were exposed to varying concentrations of PTU through the drinking water (0–10 p.p.m.) beginning on gestational day 6 to produce graded levels of TH insufficiency. Dose‐dependent increases in the volume of the SBH present in the corpus callosum were documented in the adult offspring, with a clear presence at concentrations of PTU that resulted in minor (< 15%) reductions in maternal serum thyroxine as measured when pups were weaned. SBH contain neurones, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia. Monoaminergic and cholinergic processes were prevalent and many of the axons were myelinated. Anatomical connectivity of SBH neurones to cortical neurones and the synaptic functionality of these anatomical connections was verified by ex vivo field potential recordings. SBH persisted in adult offspring despite a return to euthyroid status on termination of exposure and these offspring displayed an increased sensitivity to seizures. Features of this model are attractive with respect to the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of cortical development, the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention in hypothyroxinaemia during pregnancy and the impact of the very modest TH imbalance that accompanies exposure to environmental contaminants.
Living with faecal incontinence: trying to control the daily life that is out of control
Authors: Olsson Frida , Berterö Carina
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To identify and describe the lived experience of persons living with faecal incontinence and show how it affects daily life.

Background

Faecal incontinence is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence ranging from 3–24%, not differing between men and women. There is an under‐reporting due to patients’ reluctance to talk about their symptoms and consult healthcare professionals about their problems, which means that problems related to faecal incontinence are often underestimated. Living with faecal incontinence affects the quality of life negatively and has a negative impact on family situations, social interaction, etc.

Design

A qualitative interpretative study based on interviews.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with five informants, all women, living with faecal incontinence. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

The analysis identified four themes: self‐affirmation, guilt and shame, limitations in life and personal approach. The themes differ from each other, but are related and have similarities. The results show different aspects of living with faecal incontinence and how they affected daily life.

Conclusions

Living with faecal incontinence is a complex problem affecting everyday life in a number of different ways. It is a highly distressing and socially incapacitating problem. Living with faecal incontinence is about trying to control the daily life which is out of control. Living with faecal incontinence cannot be generalised as individuals experience the situation in unique ways.

Relevance to clinical practice

By gaining insight into the experience of living with faecal incontinence, healthcare professionals can deepen their understanding of this complex problem and thereby better address it and provide more individually based care.
Randomized clinical trial comparing postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding after cesarean section
Authors: Jalilian Nasrin , Ghadami Mohammad Rasoul
Published: June 2014

Aim

Oral feeding is likely to have an impact on early return of normal bowel function after uncomplicated surgery including cesarean section. This study compared postoperative outcomes of early versus late oral feeding regimes after cesarean section.

Methods

In this clinical trial, 140 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section with regional anesthesia were randomized into two feeding groups. In the early oral and delayed oral feeding groups, liquid diets were commenced 2 and 8 h after surgery, respectively. Patients able to tolerate the liquid diet were then gradually introduced to the regular diet. Main clinical outcomes included duration of hospital stay, time to return of normal bowel function and postoperative gastrointestinal complications.

Results

Time to return of bowel movement (7.8 ± 2.9 vs 11.7 ± 5 h, P < 0.0001) and time to mobilization (10.7 ± 7.7 vs 13.5 ± 5.9 h, P = 0.015) occurred significantly earlier in the early feeding group.

Conclusion

Early oral feeding reduces the time required for return of normal bowel function. This is without significant detrimental effects on the incidence of gastrointestinal complications.
Evaluation of a single‐visit approach to cervical cancer screening and treatment in Guyana: Feasibility, effectiveness and lessons learned
Authors: Martin Caitlin E. , Tergas Ana I. , Wysong Megan , Reinsel Maureen , Estep Deborah , Varallo John
Published: June 2014

Aim

To evaluate a cervical cancer prevention project in Guyana utilizing visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and immediate cryotherapy in a single‐visit approach; and to identify lessons learned to inform the improvement of cervical cancer prevention programs in Guyana and other low‐resource settings.

Methods

Service records from January 2009 to June 2012 were analyzed for 18 cervical cancer prevention sites across Guyana. Records included women's HIV status, data on visual inspection with acetic acid screening and treatment status for women's initial and 1‐year follow‐up screenings, provider training and retention. A process evaluation was conducted in 2011 to identify programmatic strengths and interventions for integration, scale‐up and sustainability.

Results

During the 42‐month interval, 21 597 new screenings were performed, reaching 95% of HIV+ women enrolled in care and 17% of women aged 25–49 years in Guyana. The VIA+ rate was 13% (n = 2806); 85% of women eligible for cryotherapy received immediate treatment. Half of VIA+ women treated with cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure returned for a 1‐year follow‐up screening (n = 1027); 95% were VIA– at the second screening. Non‐physician providers were more likely to continue offering services than physicians. Most programmatic challenges were related to systemic rather than technical/clinical issues.

Conclusion

The single‐visit approach‐based program is feasible, effective, and when scaled up, likely to have an impact on overall incidence of cervical cancer. Services can be shifted to non‐physicians for scale‐up of high‐quality cervical cancer prevention services nationally. To ensure sustainability and expansion, support structures should be prioritized.
Menopausal cardiomyopathy: Does it really exist? A case–control deformation imaging study
Authors: Keskin Kurt Raziye , Nacar Alper B. , Güler Ayşe , Silfeler Dilek B. , Buyukkaya Eyup , Karateke Atilla , Kurt Mustafa , Tanboga Ibrahim H.
Published: June 2014

Aim

We aimed to evaluate and compare the left ventricular (LV) functions of pre‐ and postmenopausal women at similar ages with none of the known cardiovascular risk factors, by both conventional and advanced echocardiographic methods such as 2‐D strain imaging via speckle tracking echocardiography.

Methods

The study population consisted of 40 healthy postmenopausal women aged 45–50 years and 40 healthy premenopausal women of the same age group. None of the subjects had any cardiovascular risk factors and were on hormone replacement therapy. LV strain and strain rate parameters were measured by 2‐D strain imaging. The main outcome measure was effect of menopause on LV function.

Results

There were no significant differences between the pre‐ and postmenopausal groups with regard to conventional echocardiographic parameters. LV longitudinal strain and LV early diastolic strain rate values were significantly lower in the postmenopausal group when compared to the premenopausal group. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between LV global strain and serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (r = –0.349, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our study results demonstrated that healthy postmenopausal women had lower LV longitudinal strain values when compared to the healthy premenopausal women of the same age group by speckle tracking echocardiography.
Trends in laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomy in Korea between 2007 and 2009
Authors: Lee Eun‐Ju , Park Hyoung Moo
Published: June 2014

Aims

The aims of this study are to estimate the hysterectomy rate for benign disease and determine recent trends in laparoscopic surgery for hysterectomies, including subtotal, total, and radical hysterectomy, in Korea.

Material and Methods

Computerized discharge summaries from private and public hospitals for 2007–2009 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. All records listing subtotal and total hysterectomies for benign disease and radical hysterectomies in women aged ≥ 16 years in each period were selected (n = 99 388). All women living in Korea aged ≥ 16 years were the denominator population. Laparoscopic surgery was identified when the code for laparoscopic materials was used. Statistical analysis included a trend test.

Results

The hysterectomy rates for benign disease were 1.48, 1.49, and 1.52/1000 women aged ≥ 16 years in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively, and the overall rate was 1.49/1000 women. The trend increased (P for trend <0.001). The use of laparoscopy for subtotal and total hysterectomies accounted for 43.1% in 2007, 47.7% in 2008, and 52.0% in 2009, which showed a clear increasing trend (P for trend <0.001). The use of laparoscopy for radical hysterectomies comprised 26.7%, 28.7%, and 38.2% of cases in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively, an increased trend (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion

The hysterectomy rate for benign disease increased between 2007 and 2009 in Korea. Application of laparoscopy during subtotal, total, and radical hysterectomies has increased significantly.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in placenta of fetal cardiac dysfunction rat model and antioxidant defenses of maternal vitamin C supplementation with the impacts on P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Li Yifei , Fang Jie , Zhou Kaiyu , Wang Chuan , Mu Dezhi , Hua Yimin
Published: June 2014

Aim

The oxidative stress of placenta during fetal heart dysfunction (FHD) is lack of evaluation. So, we carried out an experiment to explore whether vitamin C (VitC) can be supplied for placental protection under FHD and its impacts on P‐glycoprotein expression.

Methods

Fetal heart dysfunction was induced by two intra‐amniotic injections of isoproterenol, then (VitC) was supplied. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate placental histology, and oxidative stress was measured by total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase and level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), as well as apoptosis rate. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was adopted to measure the expressions of superoxide dismutase‐1 (Sod‐1), glutathione peroxidase‐1 (Gpx‐1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in placenta. Finally, western blot was performed to detect P‐glycoprotein expression.

Results

All isoproterenol twice‐treated fetuses exhibited significant (P < 0.05) contractile dysfunction by fetal echocardiography compared to others. The HE staining showed severe placental hydrops in the FHD group, and that hydrops could be reduced by VitC treatment. Total antioxidant capacity and total Sod‐1 decreased in FHD and elevated after VitC supplementation. Also, level of AOPP increased in FHD and dropped after VitC supplementation. Analysis of apoptosis demonstrated that there was a mild increase in apoptosis rate of FHD. Reductions of Sod‐1 and eNOS mRNA expression were confirmed in FHD, but these could recovered after VitC supplementation, with the same tendency of the P‐glycoprotein.

Conclusion

Severe oxidative injuries were identified in placentas of FHD with P‐glycoprotein repression. VitC administration can reduce the oxidative stress and rebuild the protective mechanism of placenta.
Comparison of oxidative status of mouse pre‐antral follicles derived from vitrified whole ovarian tissue and vitrified pre‐antral follicles in the presence of alpha lipoic acid
Authors: Hatami Sahar , Zavareh Saeed , Salehnia Mojdeh , Lashkarbolouki Taghi , Karimi Isaac
Published: June 2014

Aim

The main goal of this study was to compare developmental competence and oxidative status of vitrified‐warmed pre‐antral follicles (VPF) with pre‐antral follicles derived from vitrified‐warmed ovarian tissue (VOF) in the presence of alpha lipoic acid (ALA).

Materials and Methods

Ovarian tissue and isolated pre‐antral follicles were exposed to equilibration solution and then vitrification solution. After thawing of LN2 snap‐frozen samples, pre‐antral follicles were cultured with or without ALA for 12 days that followed by hCG‐induced ovulation. MII oocytes were in vitro fertilized and embryo cleavage assessed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of cultured pre‐antral follicles were measured.

Results

The rates of survival, antral‐like cavity formation, MII oocytes, fertilization, 2‐cell embryo and blastocyst development were higher in VPF compared to VOF. These rates were higher in ALA‐supplemented groups in comparison to their respective groups. An increase and a decrease in ROS production and TAC levels were observed up to the 96 h during cultivation period, respectively. ROS level was lower in cultured VPF compared to VOF. In ALA‐treated groups, ROS level decreased to reach comparable values of starting point and TAC levels increased after 24 h of culture and then remained constant.

Conclusion

Developmental outcomes showed vitrification of pre‐antral follicles is more appropriate method than that of whole ovarian tissue. Moreover, it seems that inclusion of ALA improved in vitro development of pre‐antral follicles in both vitrified and non‐vitrified samples.
Successful pregnancy in a case of bladder and ovary endometriosis following cystoscopy‐assisted laparoscopic resection
Authors: Chishima Fumihisa , Ichikawa Go , Sato Katsuhiko , Ishige Toshiyuki , Sugitani Masahiko , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: June 2014

A 34‐year‐old, gravida 0 para 0 Japanese woman visited a regional hospital complaining of dysmenorrhea, hematuria during menstruation, and right inguinal pain. She had a history of dysmenorrhea and three prior rounds of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer, which were all with transfers of cryopreserved‐thawed single embryos in natural cycles, resulting in no pregnancy. An ultrasound revealed a large 2 × 1‐cm nodule between the bladder and the anterior wall of the uterus and a 3‐cm cystic lesion in the right adnexal area. A combined cystoscopic and laparoscopic resection of the bladder endometriosis and cystectomy of the right endometrioma were carried out. A single ultrasound‐guided transfer of a cryopreserved‐thawed embryo in the cleavage stage was performed 4 months postoperatively, which resulted in an uncomplicated pregnancy. The combined, single procedure was minimally invasive and eradicated the lesions that may have caused the infertility.
Case report: Renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to the myometrium
Authors: Rahbar Haider M. , Kumar Ramesh K. , Dalela Deepansh , Hanna Rabbie , Gupta Nilesh , Rogers Craig G.
Published: June 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is well known for its ability to metastasize to different organs, but the involvement of gynecological organs is rare. Our case represents the first case of bilateral RCC with metastasis to the myometrium. The patient was a 60‐year‐old woman who underwent bilateral robotic partial nephrectomy surgeries for clear cell RCC, low‐grade, low‐stage with negative margins. Her 1‐year postoperative computed tomography scan showed an enlarging necrotic uterine mass. She underwent a debulking excision, including hysterectomy, with pathology showing metastatic RCC to the uterus. The patient developed widespread metastatic disease, and died months later of metastatic RCC.
Aspects of emotional and physical discomfort in gynecologic examination: A study of Turkish women
Authors: Tugut Nilufer , Golbasi Zehra
Published: June 2014

Aim

This cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine physical and emotional discomforts experienced before and after a gynecologic examination by women who presented to the outpatient clinic of the gynecology and obstetrics department at a university hospital.

Material and Methods

The sample of study was composed of 248 women. Data were collected with a survey form developed by researchers. T‐test and variance analysis were used in statistical analysis.

Results

Emotional discomfort before the examination was felt by 80.2% of the women, while 80.6% stated they felt emotional discomfort after the examination. Physical discomfort before the examination was experienced by 67.3% of the women, while 76.6% stated that they felt physical discomfort after the examination. The emotional discomfort mean score was 5.02 ± 3.24 before examination and 4.62 ± 3.23 after examination (P > 0.05). The physical discomfort mean score was 3.38 ± 3.12 before examination and 3.94 ± 3.02 after examination and the difference between mean scores was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The women felt more physical discomfort during the examination than they anticipated beforehand. The emotional discomfort in women who preferred a female physician was significantly higher than in those who preferred a male physician or who had no preference on the sex of their physician.
Obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation score
Authors: Kobayashi Takao
Published: June 2014

Obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is usually a very acute, serious complication of pregnancy. The obstetrical DIC score helps with making a prompt diagnosis and starting treatment early. This DIC score, in which higher scores are given for clinical parameters rather than for laboratory parameters, has three components: (i) the underlying diseases; (ii) the clinical symptoms; and (iii) the laboratory findings (coagulation tests). It is justifiably appropriate to initiate therapy for DIC when the obstetrical DIC score reaches 8 points or more before obtaining the results of coagulation tests. Improvement of blood coagulation tests and clinical symptoms are essential to the efficacy evaluation for treatment after a diagnosis of obstetrical DIC. Therefore, the efficacy evaluation criteria for obstetrical DIC are also defined to enable follow‐up of the clinical efficacy of DIC therapy.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after cesarean: A case report and published work review of pregnancy‐related cases
Authors: Minatoguchi Miki , Itakura Atsuo , Takagi Eiji , Nishibayashi Manabu , Kikuchi Mariko , Ishihara Osamu
Published: June 2014

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) primarily affects postmenopausal women and is an important differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. We describe a rare case of post‐partum TCM, and present a published work review of the cases of pregnancy‐associated TCM. A 24‐year‐old Japanese woman pregnant with twins suffered from premature membrane rupture at 31 gestational weeks. Following emergency cesarean delivery, she complained of sudden dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an inverted Takotsubo pattern (ejection fraction, 46%). On post‐delivery day 8, wall motion abnormalities subsided, and she was discharged on post‐delivery day 16. We reviewed 18 relevant cases of peripartum TCM from the published work. Among them, 16 cases were post‐partum and two cases occurred during pregnancy. Most women (81%) underwent cesarean delivery, and the first symptoms of TCM appeared during surgery in 38% of the cases. The dominant symptoms were chest pain (44%) and dyspnea (28%). Most cases (94%) exhibited electrocardiogram abnormalities, including ST changes and T‐wave inversion. Serum levels of cardiac enzymes were abnormally high in 92% of the cases. Repeated echocardiography documented normalized left ventricular systolic function within 6 months in all cases. This case and review emphasize that TCM may be concealed in post‐partum women by symptoms undistinguishable from acute coronary syndrome, peripartum cardiomyopathy or pulmonary thromboembolism, and that echocardiography may be a useful tool to distinguish them.
A new quantitative screening method for removable prosthesis using pressure‐indicating paste
Authors: Sanagawa T. , Hara T. , Minagi S.
Published: June 2014

Aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the adaptation of the denture base to the mucosa using a non‐setting pressure‐indicating paste and to examine the relationship between quality of fit and the need for denture relining. A total of 123 dentures from 70 partially edentulous patients were studied. Examination paste extruded from the tip of the 18‐G needle was applied to those denture surfaces contacting the alveolar crest. The denture was manually positioned with all clasps engaged on abutment teeth, and adaptation was assessed through paste distribution. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse variables associated with diagnosing the need for a denture reline, producing odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The spread width was inversely proportional to the gap between the denture and mucosa. Regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between the need for a denture reline and both the paste spread width and the duration of denture use. According to ROC curve analysis of the ‘reline’ and ‘non‐reline’ groups, the need for a denture reline was indicated at a paste spread width of 2·0 mm or less. At this 2·0‐mm threshold, the sensitivity was 85·1% and the specificity was 75·0%. The fit of removable denture bases was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the spread width of non‐setting pressure‐indicating paste extruded onto denture fit surfaces. The results suggest that the paste spread width is a useful parameter for discriminating the need for a denture reline.
Profits, Commercial Food Supplier Involvement, and School Vending Machine Snack Food Availability: Implications for Implementing the New Competitive Foods Rule
Authors: Terry‐McElrath Yvonne M. , Hood Nancy E. , Colabianchi Natalie , O'Malley Patrick M. , Johnston Lloyd D.
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

The 2013‐2014 school year involved preparation for implementing the new US Department of Agriculture (USDA) competitive foods nutrition standards. An awareness of associations between commercial supplier involvement, food vending practices, and food vending item availability may assist schools in preparing for the new standards.

METHODS

Analyses used 2007‐2012 questionnaire data from administrators of 814 middle and 801 high schools in the nationally representative Youth, Education, and Society study to examine prevalence of profit from and commercial involvement with vending machine food sales, and associations between such measures and food availability.

RESULTS

Profits for the school district were associated with decreased low‐nutrient, energy‐dense (LNED) food availability and increased fruit/vegetable availability. Profits for the school and use of company suppliers were associated with increased LNED availability; company suppliers also were associated with decreased fruit/vegetable availability. Supplier “say” in vending food selection was associated with increased LNED availability and decreased fruit/vegetable availability.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support (1) increased district involvement with school vending policies and practices, and (2) limited supplier “say” as to what items are made available in student‐accessed vending machines. Schools and districts should pay close attention to which food items replace vending machine LNED foods following implementation of the new nutrition standards.
Improving Pre‐Service Elementary Teachers' Self‐Reported Efficacy for Using the Professional Teacher Standards in Health Education
Authors: Clark Jeffrey K. , Clark Susan E. , Brey Rebecca A.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of health education methods courses for pre‐service elementary teachers has not been assessed for improving the pre‐service elementary teacher's self‐efficacy for using the professional teacher standards in health education (PTSHE).

METHODS

A quasi‐experimental design was used to assess pre‐service elementary teachers' self‐efficacy toward using the PTSHE. Four institutions whose elementary education programs provide a health education methods course were recruited to participate in the study. Students were recruited to participate and they completed the Pre‐service Health Education National Standards Self‐efficacy (PHENSS) Scale at the beginning and end of the semester. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 15) software.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the PHENSS Scale scores indicated that a 3‐credit health education methods course could improve the pre‐service elementary teacher's self‐efficacy to use the national standards in their teaching of health education. Further analysis indicated statistically significant improvement of the participants' PHENSS scores in 2 of the 7 standards.

CONCLUSION

Teacher self‐efficacy can be a useful measure of the pre‐service elementary teachers' ability to use the national standards for health education. The design of the methods course may affect the PHENSS scores.
Optimizing Violence Prevention Programs: An Examination of Program Effectiveness Among Urban High School Students
Authors: Thompkins Amanda C. , Chauveron Lisa M. , Harel Ofer , Perkins Daniel F.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

While demand for youth violence prevention programs increases, the ability of the school‐day schedule to accommodate their time requirements has diminished. Viable school‐based prevention programs must strike a balance between brevity and effectiveness. This article reports results from an effectiveness trial of a 12‐session curriculum‐based universal violence prevention program that promotes healthy conflict resolution skills among urban adolescents.

METHODS

Using a review of program record data and a multisite quasi‐experimental study design, we examined the effectiveness of a New York City‐based violence prevention program entitled the Violence Prevention project (VPP) optimized to meet school needs. We analyzed survey data from 1112 9th‐ and 10th‐grade students in 13 New York City public high schools across 4 consecutive school years. Both participants and nonparticipants were surveyed.

RESULTS

Review of program record data indicated that the program was implemented with acceptable fidelity to the core component structure, and that participant responsiveness to the model was high. Multilevel modeling indicated that VPP participation was protective for academic self‐concept and promoted conflict resolution skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicate that semester‐long violence prevention programs optimized to meet the needs of a typical high school can be effective at promoting healthy conflict resolution skills in urban adolescents.
What about Passive Innovation Resistance? Investigating Adoption‐Related Behavior from a Resistance Perspective
Authors: Heidenreich Sven , Handrich Matthias
Published: June 2014

Adoption literature has been dominated by a novelty‐seeking paradigm, whereas resistance to innovation has received considerably less attention as a means to explain and predict adoption‐related behavior. The lack of a good metric to assess consumers' predisposition to resist innovations has prevented the establishment of a common ground for empirical research and thus hampered progress to date. This paper develops and empirically validates a scale to measure individual differences in consumers' predisposition to resist innovations (hereafter, passive innovation resistance, orPIR). The proposed instrument entails a personality‐specific and situation‐specific measure that assesses individual differences in consumers' predisposition to resist innovations, emerging from their inclination to resist changes and exhibit status quo satisfaction. The scale represents a measure of the generic tendency to resist innovations and thus captures the notion of a general disposition to act in a consistent way in various situations.

The results of multiple studies show that thePIRscale has good psychometric properties, and its relationships with other constructs conform to theoretical expectations. Furthermore, thePIRscale explains and predicts adoption‐related behaviors beyond the variance accounted for by traditionally investigated constructs such as innate innovativeness, big‐five personality dimensions, or demographic variables. These results clearly reveal the importance ofPIRfor determining adoption‐related behavior but contest a conceptualization of constructs that tap only novelty seeking at a high level as the direct antecedent of adoption. Research that attempts to explain and predict adoption‐related behavior can benefit from taking a resistance perspective as well.