bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of DDT and Lindane in a Karstic Groundwater Aquifer in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Giácoman‐Vallejos Germán , Lizarraga‐Castro Irma , Ponce‐Caballero Carmen , González‐Sánchez Avel , Hernández‐Núñez Emanuel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPollution caused by pesticides is becoming relevant because of their harmful environmental effects. The persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity of some organochloride pesticides have resulted in their restricted use since 1970 and a requirement to monitor them in many countries. Pesticides have endocrine, immunological, reproductive and carcinogenic effects in both humans and animals. The facilitated infiltration of substances results in the pollution of hydric underground resources in karstic limestone such as that found in the state of Yucatan. Observing the north occidental region of the state of Yucatan is particularly important as it is characterized by agricultural activities (wide use of pesticides), significant human settlements and underground water flows oriented towards the north coast. In this study, the underground water quality of a karstic aquifer was evaluated by quantifying the presence of organochlorine pesticides in 29 wells located throughout the Mérida‐Progreso transect, Yucatan, Mexico. The presence of DDT, lindane and their metabolites was detected at concentrations above the permissible limits stated by Mexican regulatory standards (NOM‐127‐SSA1‐1994 2010) in the majority of wells studied. Continuous monitoring of the underground hydric resources in this region is therefore essential to raising awareness of pollution risks and the vulnerability of the coastal north to the contamination of the underground water flows.
The effect of a regular walking program on dyspnoea severity and quality of life in normal weight, overweight, and obese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yilmaz Feride Taskin , Aydin Hatice Tel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThe objective was to determine the effect of a regular walking program on physical activity (the number of steps and walking duration), dyspnoea severity, and quality of life in normal weight, overweight, and obese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodAn experimental study; 50 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the respiratory clinic of a public hospital in Turkey between November 2014 and July 2015 were included. All the patients underwent a regular walking program (at least 30 minutes every day) using a pedometer for 16 weeks under the supervision of a nurse.ResultsAfter the regular walking program, the respiratory function test results of the obese patients were significantly improved. The walking duration, the number of steps taken per day, and the quality of life of all participants improved significantly, and dyspnoea severity was reduced in all participants.ConclusionThe regular walking program reduced dyspnoea severity and improved quality of life in all participants. Nurses' efforts to increase activity levels in all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and particularly those with obesity, through a regular walking program may contribute to reduce the severity of dyspnoea and improve quality of life.
50 years with Down syndrome: A longitudinal study
Authors: Carr Janet , Collins Suzanne 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundA population sample of people with Down syndrome, studied from infancy, has now been followed up at the age of 50 years. From the original sample of 54, there were 27 still in the study at the age of 50, all but four of the losses resulting from deaths.MethodsIntelligence and language skills were tested and daily living skills assessed. Memory/cognitive deterioration was examined using two test instruments. Other aspects of the people's lives were examined via carers' reports.ResultsScores on verbal tests showed little change. Those on a non‐verbal test, on self‐help skills and on both memory tests showed some decline, even when the scores of those already suffering from dementia were discounted.ConclusionsAt the age of 50, those not already diagnosed with dementia showed some decline on most tests. While this may include scores of people who subsequently develop dementia, it may also reflect the normal ageing process in this population.
Social identification and normative conflict: When student and educator learning norms collide
Authors: Smyth Lillian , Chandra Vritika , Mavor Kenneth I. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe current paper explores perceived norm conflict, social identification, and learning approaches in the applied context of higher education. Research has established the influence of identification with fellow students, and their perceived norms, on student approaches to learning. However, in the current paper, we argue that this model is not entirely ecologically valid and that students are not the only source of normative influence in the study context. In this first step to unpack these complex normative influences, we examine the next most‐proximal source of normative information—the educator. In essence, we explore the ways that the normative communications of a within‐field educator can also influence student learning approaches and the ways these two sets of normative effects may interact. Testing a sample of undergraduate students at Australian universities, we explore how students resolve conflicting intragroup norm sources. Findings suggest that, in line with previous literature, stronger identification with the field of study is associated with deep learning approaches, and this effect is moderated by perceived student norms such that the valence of the study norms can undermine or accentuate this effect. Novel results unpacking the effects of normative conflict suggest that this moderation effect is only present when educator norms are ambiguous and that, in instances of clearly conflicting normative messages, the identification main effect prevails. The implications and applications are discussed.
Variations in internal structure, composition and protein distribution between intra‐ and extra‐articular knee ligaments and tendons
Authors: Kharaz Yalda A. , Canty‐Laird Elizabeth G. , Tew Simon R. , Comerford Eithne J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTendons and ligaments play key roles in the musculoskeletal system in both man and animals. Both tissues can undergo traumatic injury, age‐related degeneration and chronic disease, causing discomfort, pain and increased susceptibility to wider degenerative joint disease. To date, tendon and ligament ultrastructural biology is relatively under‐studied in healthy, non‐diseased tissues. This information is essential to understand the pathology of these tissues with regard to function‐related injury and to assist with the future development of tissue‐engineered tendon and ligament structures. This study investigated the morphological, compositional and extracellular matrix protein distribution differences between tendons and ligaments around the non‐diseased canine stifle joint. The morphological, structural characteristics of different regions of the periarticular tendons and ligaments (the intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament, the extra‐articular medial collateral ligament, the positional long digital extensor tendon and energy‐storing superficial digital flexor tendons) were identified using a novel semi‐objective histological scoring analysis and by determining their biochemical composition. Protein distribution of extracellular matrix collagens, proteoglycans and elastic fibre proteins in anterior cruciate ligament and long digital extensor tendon were also determined using immunostaining techniques. The anterior cruciate ligament was found to have significant morphological differences in comparison with the other three tissues, including less compact collagen architecture, differences in cell nuclei phenotype and increased glycosaminoglycan and elastin content. Intra‐ and interobserver differences of histology scoring resulted in an average score 0.7, indicative of good agreement between observers. Statistically significant differences were also found in the extracellular matrix composition in terms of glycosaminoglycan and elastin content, being more prominent in the anterior cruciate ligament than in the other three tissues. A different distribution of several extracellular matrix proteins was also found between long digital extensor tendon and anterior cruciate ligament, with a significantly increased immunostaining of aggrecan and versican in the anterior cruciate ligament. These findings directly relate to the different functions of tendon and ligament and indicate that the intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament is subjected to more compressive forces, reflecting an adaptive response to normal or increased loads and resulting in different extracellular matrix composition and arrangement to protect the tissue from damage.
Recurrent attacks of acute hepatic porphyria: major role of the chronic inflammatory response in the liver
Authors: Schmitt C. , Lenglet H. , Yu A. , Delaby C. , Benecke A. , Lefebvre T. , Letteron P. , Paradis V. , Wahlin S. , Sandberg S. , Harper P. , Sardh E. , Sandvik A. K. , Hov J. R. , Aarsand A. K. , Chiche L. , Bazille C. , Scoazec J.‐Y. , To-Figueras J. , Carrascal M. , Abian J. , Mirmiran A. , Karim Z. , Deybach J.‐C. , Puy H. , Peoc'h K. , Manceau H. , Gouya L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an inherited disorder of haem metabolism characterized by life‐threatening acute neurovisceral attacks due to the induction of hepatic δ‐aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) associated with hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) deficiency. So far, the treatment of choice is hemin which represses ALAS1. The main issue in the medical care of AIP patients is the occurrence of debilitating recurrent attacks.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether chronic hemin administration contributes to the recurrence of acute attacks.MethodsA follow‐up study was conducted between 1974 and 2015 and included 602 French AIP patients, of whom 46 had recurrent AIP. Moreover, we studied the hepatic transcriptome, serum proteome, liver macrophage polarization and oxidative and inflammatory profiles of Hmbs−/− mice chronically treated by hemin and extended the investigations to five explanted livers from recurrent AIP patients.ResultsThe introduction of hemin into the pharmacopeia has coincided with a 4.4‐fold increase in the prevalence of chronic patients. Moreover, we showed that both in animal model and in human liver, frequent hemin infusions generate a chronic inflammatory hepatic disease which induces HO1 remotely to hemin treatment and maintains a high ALAS1 level responsible for recurrence.ConclusionAltogether, this study has important impacts on AIP care underlying that hemin needs to be restricted to severe neurovisceral crisis and suggests that alternative treatment targeting the liver such as ALAS1 and HO1 inhibitors, and anti‐inflammatory therapies should be considered in patients with recurrent AIP.
Changes in School Competitive Food Environments after a Health Promotion Campaign
Authors: Green Sarah H. , Mallya Giridhar , Brensinger Colleen , Tierney Ann , Glanz Karen 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchools can reduce student access to competitive foods and influence healthy food choices by improving the school nutrition environment. This study describes changes in competitive nutrition environments in 100 K‐8 schools participating in the Philadelphia Campaign for Healthier Schools.METHODSInterviews with school staff were used to elicit information about policies, practices, and guidelines to restrict/limit competitive foods in schools, before and 1 year into the campaign. To increase the validity of responses, respondents provided documentation for reported policies and guidelines. Baseline interviews were conducted between April and June 2011 and follow‐up interviews were conducted between April and June 2012.RESULTSAt follow‐up, significantly more schools reported having policies and/or guidelines in place to regulate food as a reward in the classroom, food served at parties and celebrations, outside foods allowed in school, and the availability of sodas and sugar‐sweetened beverages. There were no measurable effects on food available in school stores, fundraisers, or afterschool programs. Availability of concrete documentation of policies was limited, but when provided, it corroborated the interview responses.CONCLUSIONSIn the context of a comprehensive school wellness policy, school wellness councils were associated with increases in school‐level policies and practices that improved the competitive nutrition environment.
Plasminogen binding and degradation by Treponema denticola: Identification of the plasminogen binding interface on the FhbB protein
Authors: Tegels B.K. , Oliver L.D. , Miller D.P. , Marconi R.T. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryTreponema denticola is a proteolytic‐anaerobic spirochete whose abundance in the subgingival crevice correlates with periodontal disease severity. Treponema denticola evades serum‐mediated killing through the binding of factor H (FH), a negative regulator of the complement system. The T. denticolaFH receptor has been identified as FhbB, an 11.4kDa immunodominant lipoprotein. Three distinct subfamilies of FhbB proteins have been delineated and designated as FhbB1, FhbB2 and FhbB3. In this study we demonstrate that all FhbB variants bind human plasminogen (Plg). Competitive binding analyses revealed that FH and Plg do not compete for binding. Binding studies with FhbB135405 site‐directed amino acid substitution mutants demonstrated that the interaction domains for FH and Plg on FhbB are separable. Inhibition of Plg‐FhbB binding by ε‐aminocaproic acid (a lysine analog) indicates that binding is mediated by electrostatic interactions that presumably occur with Lys binding sites contained within Plg “Kringle” domains 1, 2, 4 or 5. Similar to that demonstrated for FH, Plg can also serve as a substrate for the T. denticola protease, dentilisin. The in vivo consequences of dentilisin‐mediated cleavage of Plg remained to be determined. The data presented demonstrate that FhbB is a multi‐functional protein that may contribute to virulence through several mechanisms including immune evasion, manipulation of the host immune response, adherence or tissue invasion.
Reid's Non‐Humean Theory of Moral Motives
Authors: Kroeker Esther Engels 
Published: March 2018

AbstractContrary to the widespread view that Reid and Hume agree that reason, alone, is inert, I argue that they disagree on this point. Both accept that reason plays a role in forming moral sentiments, and that affections are components of moral evaluations. However, I show that for Reid moral evaluations (comprised of moral judgments and moral affections) are different from moral motives (which are not comprised of affections). Moral motives for Reid are mind‐independent states of affairs that are grasped by reason and do not require affections to influence human beings. Reid hence holds a non‐Humean theory in which reason, alone, is not inert.
Adaptive responses of mature giant chloroplasts in the deep‐shade lycopod Selaginella erythropus to prolonged light and dark periods
Authors: Ghaffar Rabia , Weidinger Marieluise , Mähnert Barbara , Schagerl Michael , Lichtscheidl Irene 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDeep‐shade plants have adapted to low‐light conditions by varying morphology and physiology of cells and chloroplasts, but it still remains unclear, if prolonged periods of high‐light or darkness induce additional modifications in chloroplasts' anatomy and pigment patterns. We studied giant chloroplasts (bizonoplasts) of the deep‐shade lycopod Selaginella erythropus in epidermal cells of mature fully developed microphylls and subjected them to prolonged darkness and high‐light conditions. Chloroplast size and ultrastructure were investigated by light and electron microscopy. Physiological traits were studied by pigment analyses, photosynthetic performance of photosystem II, and formation of reactive oxygen species. Results show that (a) thylakoid patterns and shape of mature bizonoplasts vary in response to light and dark conditions. (b) Prolonged darkness induces transitory formation of prolamellar bodies, which so far have not been described in mature chloroplasts. (c) Photosynthetic activity is linked to structural responses of chloroplasts. (d) Photosystem II is less active in the upper zone of bizonoplasts and more efficient in the grana region. (e) Formation of reactive oxygen species reflects the stress level caused by high‐light. We conclude that during prolonged darkness, chlorophyll persists and even increases; prolamellar bodies form de novo in mature chloroplasts; bizonoplasts have spatial heterogeneity of photosynthetic performance.
Interparental conflict, parental intrusiveness, and interpersonal functioning in emerging adulthood
Authors: KUMAR SHAINA A. , MATTANAH JONATHAN F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe current study examined the effects of interparental conflict (IPC) on interpersonal functioning and psychopathology in emerging adulthood. In a sample of 188 emerging adult college students, IPC was associated significantly with greater symptoms of depression and loneliness. Furthermore, parental intrusiveness and romantic competence, as assessed by a novel interview methodology, mediated the links between IPC and depression symptomatology and loneliness. Links with prior research and implications for emerging adult functioning are discussed.
Significant correlation between peripheral blood CD34+ cell count in children prior to aphaeresis and CD34+ cell yield following aphaeresis: A single‐center experience
Authors: Rosenfeld‐Keidar Hila , Eshel Rinat , Pinhasov Aviva , Bitan Menachem , Edelman Sabina , Broitman Marcela , Dvir Rina , Sadot Efraim , Levin Dror , Manisterski Michal , Berger‐Achituv Sivan , Elhasid Ronit 
Published: March 2018

AbstractNumerous adults’ studies demonstrated that preaphaeresis CD34+ cells significantly correlate with the number of CD34+ cells collected by the aphaeresis procedure. Equivalent studies in children are scarce. We studied retrospectively 92 aphaeresis procedures performed following chemotherapy (44) or in steady state (48) in 60 pediatric patients (40 males, 20 females), median age of 7.5 years. Aphaeresis procedures were performed using a SPECTRA Optica (TERUMOBCT) continuous flow cell separator. CD34+ cell concentrations were assessed using flow cytometry. A highly significant correlation between peripheral CD34 cell count on the day of aphaeresis and CD34 cell yield per kg (R2 = .824, P < .0001) was demonstrated. A higher preaphaeresis CD34 cell count was demonstrated in patients with higher preaphaeresis white blood cell count, in patients with brain tumors, and in patients who received chemotherapy as part of their mobilization protocol. A threshold number of 20 peripheral CD34+ cell/μL was found to predict harvesting of 3 × 106 stem cells/kg, and 30 peripheral CD34+ cell/μL for harvesting of 5 × 106 stem cells/kg. This significant correlation between peripheral CD34 cell count and CD34 cell yield, and the threshold number of peripheral CD34 found to predict adequate harvesting can be useful in planning the optimal time for aphaeresis in children.
Acid‐base assessment of patients receiving hemodialysis. What are our management goals?
Authors: Gennari F. John 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAcid‐base assessment of patients receiving conventional hemodialysis (HD) has been based solely on predialysis serum [total CO2], and treatment is currently driven by the KDOQI guideline from 2000. This guideline was directed solely at minimizing metabolic acidosis and thereby improving bone and muscle metabolism. In 2000, no data were available to assess the effects of acid‐base status on morbidity and mortality. Since then, new data have emerged from several large cohort studies about the association between variations in predialysis serum [total CO2], as well as blood pH, and morbidity and mortality risk. These studies have shown increased risk not only with very low predialysis [total CO2] values, but also with predialysis alkaline pH and very high predialysis serum [total CO2] values. At present, our major concern is not for patients with metabolic acidosis, but rather for the growing numbers of patients with metabolic alkalosis. This review discusses the controversies around assessing and treating acid‐base status in HD patients, and recommends a practical approach based on the results of these recent studies. The new approach provides recommendations for patients both with very low and very high predialysis serum [total CO2] values.
Diversifying but not Integrating: Entropic Measures of Local Segregation
Authors: Kramer Rory , Kramer Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractScholars of segregation have struggled to adapt indices designed to model two‐group segregation for cities with large populations drawn from more than two racial/ethnic groups. Considering segregation as a social form of entropy resolves that struggle and introduces a family of related measures that offer means of analysing segregation at both the local (neighbourhood) level and the greater (city/region) area. A case study of Philadelphia's level of segregation from 1990 to 2010 illustrates the benefits of the new measures. While Philadelphia has diversified, it remains racially segregated. Further, the new measures show the growing importance of Hispanic segregation and a shift from segregation being visited upon the city's Black residents to being driven by a White population that grows more segregated as its population share shrinks. Integrating measures of segregation and diversity into studies of residential racial patterns enhances our understanding of racial segregation patterns in a multiracial context.
WBC alloimmunization: effects on the laboratory and clinical endpoints of therapeutic granulocyte transfusions
Authors: Price Thomas H. , McCullough Jeffrey , Strauss Ronald G. , Ness Paul M. , Hamza Taye H. , Harrison Ryan W. , Assmann Susan F. 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDAlthough the subject of many previous studies, the importance of white blood cell (WBC) alloimmunization in granulocyte transfusion therapy has not been settled. In this study, we report the results of the effects of WBC antibodies in the RING (Resolving Infection in Neutropenia with Granulocytes) study, a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of daily granulocyte transfusion therapy plus antimicrobials versus antimicrobials alone; the primary outcome results have been published previously.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSOne hundred fourteen subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum samples for WBC antibody determination were obtained from each subject at baseline and at 2 and 6 weeks. One hundred subjects had at least one antibody test result. Samples were tested for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I and Class II antibodies as well as for granulocyte‐specific antibodies using granulocyte agglutination and immunofluorescence techniques. All testing was performed at a central laboratory.RESULTSBaseline WBC alloimmunization was modest, depending somewhat on the assay. Seroconversion during the study was slightly higher in the granulocyte transfusion arm, but the differences were not statistically significant. There was no demonstrable effect of the presence of alloimmunization on the primary outcome (survival and microbial response at 42 days), the occurrence of transfusion reactions (either overall or pulmonary), or posttransfusion neutrophil increments.CONCLUSIONThe presence or development of WBC antibodies had no demonstrable effect on any clinical aspect of granulocyte transfusion therapy. It appears that, at least in the patient population studied, there is no evidence suggesting need for concern about recipient WBC alloimmunization when prescribing granulocyte transfusions.