bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal study of maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, and offspring asthma
Authors: Dumas O. , Varraso R. , Gillman M. W. , Field A. E. , Camargo C. A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundSparse data are available on the relationship between prenatal exposures and asthma during later childhood. In a longitudinal study of adolescents and their mothers, we examined the association of (i) maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and (ii) gestational weight gain (GWG), with incidence of allergic and nonallergic asthma in offspring.MethodsAnalyses were conducted using data from 12 963 children aged 9–14 years at enrolment in the Growing Up Today Study, and their mothers, who are participants in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Physician‐diagnosed asthma and allergies were assessed by questionnaires sent regularly to participants and their mothers. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of maternal BMI and GWG with offspring asthma, overall and by subtype.ResultsPhysician‐diagnosed asthma during childhood or adolescence was reported by 2694 children (21%). Maternal prepregnancy overweight (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.38) and obesity (1.34, 1.08–1.68) were associated with offspring asthma. In asthma subtype analyses, the association was seen only for asthma onset before age 12 years. Moreover, the association of maternal obesity with nonallergic asthma was observed in boys (2.39, 1.40–4.09) and not in girls (0.96, 0.50–1.85; Pinteraction = 0.03); the opposite pattern was suggested for allergic asthma. With regard to GWG, an association was suggested between gains of <15 lb and higher risk of offspring asthma (1.28, 0.98–1.66), without clear allergy‐ or sex‐related patterns.ConclusionThe relation of several prenatal factors to risk of childhood asthma supports the early origins hypothesis for asthma. The observed allergy‐ and sex‐specific patterns suggest multiple etiologic pathways.
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in normal immune responses and in allergic disorders
Authors: Varricchi G. , Harker J. , Borriello F. , Marone G. , Durham S. R. , Shamji M. H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFollicular helper T cells (Tfh) are located within germinal centers of lymph nodes. Cognate interaction between Tfh, B cells, and IL‐21 drives B cells to proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells thereby leading to antibody production. Tfh cells and IL‐21 are involved in infectious and autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, vaccination, and cancer. Human peripheral blood CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells comprise different subsets of Tfh‐like cells. Despite the importance of the IgE response in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders, little is known about the role of follicular and blood Tfh cells and IL‐21 in human and experimental allergic disease. Here, we review recent advances regarding the phenotypic and functional characteristics of both follicular and blood Tfh cells and of the IL‐21/IL‐21R system in the context of allergic disorders.
Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation following Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Moss Travis J. , Zipse Matthew M. , Krantz Mori J. , Sauer William H. , Salcedo Ernesto E. , Schuller Joseph L. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPatients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at a fourfold to sixfold higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to the general population, though incidence rates among patients undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) are not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate atrial fibrillation incidence following ASA.MethodsWe studied 132 consecutive HCM patients without comorbid AF that underwent 154 ASA procedures. The incidence of AF in follow‐up was assessed through chart abstraction including electrocardiography. Survival free of AF was estimated using Kaplan‐Meier methodology.ResultsOver a mean follow‐up of 3.6 ± 2.7 years (maximum 11.3 years), 10 (7.6%) patients developed new‐onset AF. Of those who developed AF, both resting and provoked left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradients had improved significantly (difference –79.78 mm Hg, P ≤ 0.005). Severity of mitral regurgitation improved in 7 (70%) patients. Survival free of AF was estimated to be 99.1%, 93.7%, and 91.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years.ConclusionsDespite relieving LVOT obstruction and improving mitral regurgitation severity via ASA, new‐onset AF remained a common complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Adenosine and Preexcitation Variants: Reappraisal of Electrocardiographic Changes
Authors: Ali Hussam , Lupo Pierpaolo , Foresti Sara , De Ambroggi Guido , Epicoco Gianluca , Fundaliotis Angelica , Cappato Riccardo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntravenous adenosine is a short‐acting blocker of the atrioventricular node that has been used to unmask subtle or latent preexcitation, and also to enable catheter ablation in selected patients with absent or intermittent preexcitation. Depending on the accessory pathway characteristics, intravenous adenosine may produce specific electrocardiographic changes highly suggestive of the preexcitation variant. Herein, we view different ECG responses to this pharmacological test in various preexcitation patterns that were confirmed by electrophysiological studies. Careful analysis of electrocardiographic changes during adenosine test, with emphasis on P‐delta interval, preexcitation degree, and atrioventricular block, can be helpful to diagnose the preexcitation variant/pattern.
The severity of acute bronchiolitis in infants was associated with quality of life nine months later
Authors: Rolfsjord Leif Bjarte , Skjerven Håvard Ove , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Mowinckel Petter , Bains Karen Eline Stensby , Bakkeheim Egil , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimAcute bronchiolitis in infancy increases the risk of later asthma and reduced health‐related quality of life (QoL). We aimed to see whether the severity of acute bronchiolitis in the first year of life was associated with QoL nine months later.MethodsThe parents of 209 of 404 of children hospitalised for acute bronchiolitis in eight paediatric departments in south‐east Norway at a mean four months of age (range 0–12 months) completed the Infant/Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire sent by mail nine months after the acute illness. Disease severity was measured by length of stay and the need for supportive treatment. Interactions with gender, inclusion age, prematurity, maternal ethnicity and maternal education were examined.ResultsReduced QoL in four domains was associated with increased length of stay and need for ventilatory support. Physical abilities and general health were associated with both severity markers, whereas bodily pain and discomfort and change in health were associated with length of stay. Ventilatory support was more negatively associated with QoL than atopic eczema and also associated with reduced parental emotions and parental time.ConclusionThe severity of acute bronchiolitis in infants was associated with reduced QoL nine months later.
The accuracy of delivery of target pressures using self‐inflating bag manometers in a benchtop study
Authors: Rafferty Anthony R. , Johnson Lucy , Maxfield Dominic , Dawson Jennifer A. , Davis Peter G. , Thio Marta 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimWe tested whether operators using manometers attached to self‐inflating bags could accurately deliver set targeted peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) compared to the Neopuff™ T‐piece resuscitator (TPR).MethodsParticipants provided positive pressure ventilation to a leak‐free neonatal test lung at a rate of 60 inflations/min and a flow of 8 L/min. Participants used three manometers attached to self‐inflating bags and a Neopuff™ TPR to target PIPs of 20, 30 and 40 cmH2O on each device. Mean PIPs delivered with each manometer were compared to the ‘gold standard’ Neopuff™ TPR.ResultsIn total, 13 991 inflations delivered by 20 participants were analysed. At all target PIPs, the mean PIP delivered using the Mercury Medical manometer attached to a Laerdal self‐inflating bag was significantly higher by 5 cmH2O (p < 0.01) than the Neopuff™ TPR. The PIP delivered using both the Ambu™ and Parker Healthcare manometers attached to their respective devices was similar to that delivered by the Neopuff™ TPR at all targeted PIPs.ConclusionAccurately targeted PIPs can be achieved when a manometer specifically designed for use on a self‐inflating bag is used during manual ventilation. This may be useful in settings where access to a Neopuff™ TPR or a gas flow source is limited.
Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Sports‐Anxiety, Pessimism, and Flow in Competitive Cyclists
Authors: Scott‐Hamilton John , Schutte Nicola S. , Brown Rhonda F. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThis study investigated whether mindfulness training increases athletes’ mindfulness and flow experience and decreases sport‐specific anxiety and sport‐specific pessimism.MethodsCyclists were assigned to an eight‐week mindfulness intervention, which incorporated a mindful spin‐bike training component, or a wait‐list control condition. Participants completed baseline and post‐test measures of mindfulness, flow, sport‐anxiety, and sport‐related pessimistic attributions.ResultsAnalyses of covariance showed significant positive effects on mindfulness, flow, and pessimism for the 27 cyclists in the mindfulness intervention condition compared with the 20 cyclists in the control condition. Changes in mindfulness experienced by the intervention participants were positively associated with changes in flow.ConclusionsResults suggest that mindfulness‐based interventions tailored to specific athletic pursuits can be effective in facilitating flow experiences.
Oops I Did it Again: Examining Self‐Licensing Effects in a Subsequent Self‐Regulation Dilemma
Authors: Prinsen Sosja , Evers Catharine , de Ridder Denise 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPrevious studies have mainly examined the immediate effects of self‐licensing on self‐regulation failure. The present vignette studies examined what happens when a second self‐regulation dilemma is encountered.MethodsIn Studies 1 (N = 52) and 2 (N = 166), participants read a vignette in which the protagonist chooses to buy a treat while being on a diet, which was preceded by a license (License condition) or not (Control condition). The self‐reported likelihood of indulging again when a second dilemma was presented in the same situation served as the dependent variable. Study 2 included measures of self‐regulatory ability (motivation and self‐efficacy) and also presented the dilemma in a new situation.ResultsStudy 1 showed that participants were more likely to indulge again after an initial indulgent choice with a license. This was replicated in Study 2, which also showed that self‐licensing had no effect on goal re‐engagement in a new situation. A marginally significant positive effect of self‐licensing was found for self‐efficacy.ConclusionsThe results obtained suggest that self‐licensing negatively affects goal re‐engagement in the same situation, but not in a new situation. Whether self‐licensing maintains or increases feelings of self‐efficacy needs to be validated in future studies.
Predicting Physical Activity‐Related Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Health Action Process Approach
Authors: Hattar Anne , Pal Sebely , Hagger Martin S. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundWe tested the adequacy of a model based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) in predicting changes in psychological, body composition, and cardiovascular risk outcomes with respect to physical activity participation in overweight and obese adults.MethodsMeasures of HAPA constructs (action and maintenance self‐efficacy, outcome expectancies, action planning, risk perceptions, intentions, behaviour), psychological outcomes (quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress symptoms), body composition variables (body weight, body fat mass), cardiovascular risk measures (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein), and self‐reported physical activity behaviour were administered to participants (N = 74) at baseline, and 6 and 12 weeks later.ResultsData were analysed using variance‐based structural equation modelling with residualised change scores for HAPA variables. The model revealed effects of action self‐efficacy and outcome expectancies on physical activity intentions, action self‐efficacy on maintenance self‐efficacy, and maintenance self‐efficacy and intentions on action planning. Intention predicted psychological and body composition outcomes indirectly through physical activity behaviour. Action planning was a direct predictor of psychological, cardiovascular, and body composition outcomes.ConclusionsData supported HAPA hypotheses in relation to intentions and behaviour, but not the role of action planning as a mediator of the intention–behaviour relationship. Action planning predicted outcomes independent of intentions and behaviour.
Retardation of quality changes in camel meat sausages by phenolic compounds and phenolic extracts
Authors: Maqsood Sajid , Manheem Kusaimah , Abushelaibi Aisha , Kadim Isam Tawfik 
Published: March 2016

AbstractImpact of tannic acid (TA), date seed extract (DSE), catechin (CT) and green tea extract (GTE) on lipid oxidation, microbial load and textural properties of camel meat sausages during 12 days of refrigerated storage was investigated. TA and CT showed higher activities in all antioxidative assays compared to DSE and GTE. Lipid oxidation and microbial growth was higher for control sausages when compared to other samples. TA and CT at a level of 200 mg/kg were more effective in retarding lipid oxidation and lowering microbial count (P < 0.05). Sausages treated with TA and DSE were found to have higher hardness, gumminess and chewiness values compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). Addition of different phenolic compounds or extract did not influence the sensory color of sausages. Furthermore, sensory quality was also found to be superior in TA and CT treated sausages. Therefore, pure phenolic compounds (TA and CT) proved to be more effective in retaining microbial and sensorial qualities of camel meat sausages compared to phenolic extracts (GTE and DSE) over 12 days of storage at 4°C.
Post‐ovulatory aging of mouse oocytes in vivo and in vitro: Effects of caffeine on exocytosis and translocation of cortical granules
Authors: Zheng Jie , Yin Xun‐Qiang , Ge Wei , He Gui‐Fang , Qian Wei‐Ping , Ma Jun‐Yu , Shen Wei , Yin Shen , Sun Qing‐Yuan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe developmental potential of post‐ovulatory oocytes decreases with aging in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a potent antioxidant caffeine on cortical granules (CGs) distribution in mouse oocytes aging in vivo and in vitro. We found that in vivo administration of 150 mg/kg caffeine caused ovulation of some morphologically abnormal oocytes showing premature exocytosis or congregation of CGs, but significantly decreased abnormal distribution of CGs in oocytes aging for 6 h, 12 h and 18 h in vivo compared to those without caffeine treatment. Unexpectedly, supplementation of oocyte culture medium with 10 mmol/L caffeine accelerated CGs release of oocytes and the normal CG distribution rate dramatically decreased from 6 h in oocytes aging in vitro. It appeared that oocytes showed a high degree of abnormal CG distribution by aging for 18 h, and caffeine might delay oocyte CG exocytosis in vivo, but accelerates CG exocytosis in vitro. Our findings may have implications for improving assisted reproduction technologies.
Empowering Children Left Behind in China
Authors: Hu Yang , Burton Judith , Lonne Bob 
Published: March 2016

In the last two decades in rural China, increasing numbers of children of economic migrants have been left behind with kin, which is of growing concern for social work and welfare policy. The genesis of this rural to urban migration has been China's rapid economic development and greater opportunities for work in better paying jobs in cities. However, there is growing evidence of the negative impact upon these children. This paper reports the views of caregivers (n = 23) and school personnel (n = 5) from a small town in Northeast China. Interviews sought adults opinions on these children's needs, with the major outcome being children's need to be empowered – to be respected, to express themselves, to have influence, and to be supported to be able to more fully participate in education and their communities. We argue that caregiver strategies to empower children left behind provide insight into culturally appropriate processes and practices that underpin social inclusion. However, some discrepancies between the views of caregivers and school personnel alert us to the potential for tension between family and broader community and institutional views. Implications for social work practice include responding to the cultural values embedded in child rearing practices and local ideas about children's entitlements.
Cell proliferation in the amputated limb of lizard leading to scarring is reduced compared to the regenerating tail
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAfter amputation, the tail of lizards regenerates while the limb forms a short scarring outgrowth. Using phospho‐histone‐H3 immunohistochemistry the mitotic activity of limb tissues at 12–25 days after amputation has been studied, when a limb outgrowth of 0.5–2 mm in length is covered by wound epidermis and the underlying connective is turning into a dense scar. In comparison with a regenerating tail of 3–5 mm in length, the number of dividing cells is reduced of 40–70% in different tissues of the scarring limb 1–2 mm in length at 18 days postamputation. Dividing cells are still present at 12–25 days postamputation in the cartilaginous epiphyses of the transected tibia and fibula and of the untransected femur. Also, the injured muscles present at the base of the scarring outgrowth still contain sparse dividing cells after 25 days postamputation of the limb. Together previous studies, the present observations suggest that after the initial proliferation of fibroblasts deriving from the injured tissues, especially from the dermis and intermuscle connectives during the initial 7–15 days postinjury, these cells cover the injured tissues underneath the wound epidermis, but rapidly produce high levels of collagen turning the initial blastema into a scar.
Microvascularization of the thyroid glands in larval and adult Xenopus laevis‐ histomorphology and scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Hopfinger Mathias , Huber Bettina , Lametschwandtner Alois 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study demonstrates gross arterial supply, venous drainage and microvascular patterns of larval and adult thyroid glands in the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and light microscopy of stained serial tissue sections. Results confirm published findings gained by microscopical dissections with respect to gross arterial supply. However, in adult frogs one rather than two thyroid veins are found. This study reveals for the first time that bilaterally located thyroid glands in premetamorphosis have immature capillary networks, lack a clear hierarchy of blood vessels, and show many signs of sprouting angiogenesis. During metamorphic climax, blood vessels gain a clear hierarchy and capillaries form closed networks around thyroid follicles. From climax onwards, non‐sprouting angiogenesis (intussusceptive microvascular growth) becomes the prevailing mode of angiogenesis intensifying follicle capillarization. Due to narrow interfollicular spaces, thyroidal arterioles remain superficial while draining venules are located interfollicularly. In contrast with the mammalian thyroid gland where most thyroid follicles have their own capillary beds, most thyroid follicles in Xenopus share their capillary beds with neighbouring follicles. Consequently, the concept of individual morphological and functional angiofollicular units applicable to adult mammalian and human thyroid glands is not applicable to larval and adult amphibian thyroid glands.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of congenital erythropoietic porphyria
Authors: Di Pierro Elena , Brancaleoni Valentina , Granata Francesca 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCongenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is a rare genetic disease resulting from the remarkable deficient activity of uroporphyrinogen III synthase, the fourth enzyme of the haem biosynthetic pathway. This enzyme defect results in overproduction of the non‐physiological and pathogenic porphyrin isomers, uroporphyrin I and coproporphyrin I. The predominant clinical characteristics of CEP include bullous cutaneous photosensitivity to visible light from early infancy, progressive photomutilation and chronic haemolytic anaemia. The severity of clinical manifestations is markedly heterogeneous among patients; and interdependence between disease severity and porphyrin amount in the tissues has been pointed out. A more pronounced endogenous production of porphyrins concomitant to activation of ALAS2, the first and rate‐limiting of the haem synthesis enzymes in erythroid cells, has also been reported. CEP is inherited as autosomal recessive or X‐linked trait due to mutations in UROS or GATA1 genes; however an involvement of other causative or modifier genes cannot be ruled out.
A high rate of telomeric sister chromatid exchange occurs in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia B‐cells
Authors: Medves Sandrine , Auchter Morgan , Chambeau Laetitia , Gazzo Sophie , Poncet Delphine , Grangier Blandine , Verney Aurélie , Moussay Etienne , Ammerlaan Wim , Brisou Gabriel , Morjani Hamid , Géli Vincent , Palissot Valérie , Berchem Guy , Salles Gilles , Wenner Thomas 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCancer cells protect their telomere ends from erosion through reactivation of telomerase or by using the Alternative Lengthening of Telomere (ALT) mechanism that depends on homologous recombination. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) B cells are characterized by almost no telomerase activity, shelterin deregulation and telomere fusions. To characterize telomeric maintenance mechanisms in B‐CLL patients, we measured their telomere length, telomerase expression and the main hallmarks of the ALT activity i.e. C‐circle concentration, an extra‐chromosomal telomere repeat (ECTR), and the level of telomeric sister chromatid exchange (T‐SCE) rate. Patients showed relative homogenous telomere length although almost no TERT transcript and nearly no C‐circle were evidenced. Nevertheless, compared with normal B cells, B‐CLL cells showed an increase in T‐SCE rate that was correlated with a strong down‐regulation of the topoisomerase III alpha (TOP3A) expression, involved in the dissolution of Holliday Junctions (HJ), together with an increased expression of SLX1A, SLX4, MUS81 and GEN1, involved in the resolution of HJ. Altogether, our results suggest that the telomere maintenance mechanism of B‐CLL cells do not preferentially use telomerase or ALT. Rather, the rupture of the dissolvasome/resolvasome balance may increase telomere shuffling that could homogenize telomere length, slowing telomere erosion in this disease.