bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone in two rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Du Dan‐Feng , Li Xue‐Lian , Zheng Sai‐Hua 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimAnti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are two to three times higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the mechanism of increased AMH levels in PCOS remains unclear. The purpose of our experiment was to investigate a change in AMH levels in two kinds of commonly used rat models and to determine an ideal model for future research of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS.MethodsThirty female Sprague Dawley rats were treated using two modeling methods: implantation of a levonorgestrel silastic implant or injection with sodium prasterone sulfate plus human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Rats in the control group were implanted with a blank silastic stick. Serum steroid concentrations, ovarian morphology and ovarian expression of AMH and AMH‐receptor II (RII) proteins were determined and their correlations were studied.ResultsThe results from the levonorgestrel and hCG group were closer to those displayed by human PCOS patients than the sodium prasterone sulfate and hCG group. Ovarian local expression of AMH and AMH‐RII was increased in these both models compared with the control group; however, an elevation of serum AMH concentration was not observed (12.53 ± 0.99 ng/ml and 13.22 ± 1.09 ng/ml vs 16.30 ± 0.98 ng/ml).ConclusionThe levonorgestrel and hCG model is more suitable for the study of PCOS in puberty.
Rupture of the cervix during pregnancy after cervical pessary insertion for preventing preterm birth
Authors: Kalinka Jaroslaw , Jasinska Elwira Agata , Laudanski Piotr , Bitner Adam 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe present a rare case of a complication after pessary insertion during pregnancy due to short cervix. A woman in the 35th week of gestation was admitted to the Department of Perinatology due to preterm labor. The patient's history revealed cervical pessary insertion during the 29th week of pregnancy due to a cervix of 18 mm in length. Because of threatened preterm labor, the pessary was removed. After pessary removal, a rupture of the cervix was diagnosed. Because of active labor and cervical rupture, a cesarean section was performed and a healthy newborn was delivered. After cesarean section the cervical rupture was sutured. Five days after the operation, the patient underwent surgery again due to a necrotically changed part of the cervix. This part of the cervix was removed. We present this case to emphasize that cervical pessaries can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Clinicians should take this into consideration before qualifying patients for pessary insertion.
Navigating Institutional Complexity: The Production of Risk Culture in the Financial Sector
Authors: Palermo Tommaso , Power Michael , Ashby Simon 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFollowing the financial crisis, financial sector organizations faced increased pressures to reform their ‘risk cultures’. In this paper, we argue that the emergence of regulatory and managerial attention to risk culture is symptomatic of pressures to redefine the fundamental ends of financial institutions and to rebalance the pre‐crisis emphasis on a logic of opportunity and risk‐taking with a logic of precaution and risk control. Based on the analysis of normative practitioner texts and on extended contact with regulators, advisers and corporate actors in the UK financial sector over four years, we show how this initial complexity ofendsis translated into uncertainty and conflict about themeansthrough which risk culture might become an object amenable to intervention. On this basis, we contribute to the growing literature on ‘institutional complexity’ by showing how organizational actors address conflicting pressures aboutbothends and means, and by discussing some key implications of their simplification strategies. Our analysis also contributes to recent studies of ‘means‐ends decoupling’, showing how means, ends and the object of intervention itself – risk culture – co‐evolve as they are reconstructed by organizational actors via their everyday practices.
The Role of Ethnicity in School‐Based Obesity Intervention for School‐Aged Children: A Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Karczewski Sabrina A. , Carter Jocelyn S. , DeCator Draycen D. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDRates of obesity have risen disproportionately for ethnic minority youth in the United States. School‐based programs may be the most comprehensive and cost‐effective way to implement primary prevention in children. In this study we evaluated the effect of a school‐based obesity prevention on the outcome of body mass index percentile (BMI%), with baseline weight class and ethnicity examined as moderators.METHODSParticipants (N = 125), ages 7‐11 (56% female) from 4 urban, low‐income, ethnic minority (58% black, 42% Latino) schools were recruited. Two schools received the Urban Initiatives Work to Play health intervention, and 2 demographically matched schools served as wait‐list controls.RESULTSHierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the independent and interactive effects of key variables on BMI%. An interaction between intervention status and ethnicity revealed Latino youth in the intervention had lower BMI% than those in the control group. Participation did not cause BMI% outcomes to decrease for black participants.CONCLUSIONSThe study demonstrates the intervention is effective, but that the effectiveness varies across ethnicity. Interventions can be made more efficient and cost‐effective by targeting youth of a common ethnicity that has shown empirical responsiveness to certain program elements.
Verbal Bullying Changes Among Students Following an Educational Intervention Using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change
Authors: Naidoo Saloshni , Satorius Benn K. , de Vries Hein , Taylor Myra 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDBullying behavior in schools can lead to psychosocial problems. School‐based interventions are important in raising student awareness, developing their skills and in planning to reduce bullying behavior.METHODSA randomized controlled trial, using a school‐based educational intervention to reduce verbal bullying, was conducted among grade 10 students in 16 urban and rural schools in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa in 2013. Baseline and postintervention questionnaires, developed using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change theoretical model, were used to assess changes in verbal bullying.RESULTSPostintervention there were reduced verbal bullying experiences. Improved social norms and awareness of verbal bullying were associated with reduced verbal bullying experiences and behavior. Although less likely to bully others verbally, girls were more likely to experience verbal bullying. Students with no living father were more likely to bully others verbally.CONCLUSIONSThe study findings indicate that a school‐based intervention can positively impact on verbal bullying experiences and behavior.
Food Literacy at Secondary Schools in Australia
Authors: Ronto Rimante , Ball Lauren , Pendergast Donna , Harris Neil D. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDFood literacy can encourage adolescents to develop healthy dietary patterns. This study examined home economics teachers' (HET) perspectives of the importance, curriculum, self‐efficacy, and food environments regarding food literacy in secondary schools in Australia.METHODSA 20‐item cross‐sectional survey was completed by 205 HETs. The survey focused on the importance of aspects of food literacy, HETs' self‐efficacy, and attitudes toward food literacy and schools' food environments. Data were analyzed descriptively, and associations between participants' demographic characteristics and perceptions were investigated by chi‐square analyses.RESULTSHETs rated aspects of food literacy including preparing and cooking food, knowing about healthy foods and food safety and hygiene practices as very important. They indicated animal welfare, where food comes from, and plan and manage time for food shopping to be the least important aspects of food literacy. HETs reported that students' involvement in food literacy activities resulted in healthier diets and improved food practices, but the schools' food environments are not comprehensively supportive of food literacy.CONCLUSIONSHETs report that food literacy is very important for adolescents to learn. The focus is more on microaspects in comparison to macroaspects of food literacy. Schools' food environments are ideally positioned to shape dietary intake of adolescents but their potential is not being realized.
Propolis modulates miRNAs involved in TLR-4 pathway, NF-κB activation, cytokine production and in the bactericidal activity of human dendritic cells
Authors: Conti Bruno J , Santiago Karina B , Cardoso Eliza O , Freire Paula P , Carvalho Robson F , Golim Marjorie A , Sforcin José M 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells, essential for recognition and presentation of pathogens to T cells. Propolis, a resinous material produced by bees from various plants, exhibits numerous biological properties, highlighting its immunomodulatory action. Here, we assayed the effects of propolis on the maturation and function of human DCs.

Methods
DCs were generated from human monocytes and incubated with propolis and LPS. NF-κB and cytokines production were determined by ELISA. microRNA's expression was analysed by RT-qPCR and cell markers detection by flow cytometry. Colony-forming units were obtained to assess the bactericidal activity of propolis-treated DCs.

Key findings
Propolis activated DCs in the presence of LPS, inducing NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 production. The inhibition of hsa-miR-148a and hsa-miR-148b abolished the inhibitory effects on HLA-DR and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased expression of hsa-miR-155 may be correlated to the increase in TLR-4 and CD86 expression, maintaining LPS-induced expression of HLA-DR and CD40. Such parameters may be involved in the increased bactericidal activity of DCs against Streptococcus mutans.

Conclusion
Propolis modulated the maturation and function of DCs and may be useful in the initial steps of the immune response, providing a novel approach to the development of DC-based strategies and for the discovery of new immunomodulators.
Is it nutrients, food items, diet quality or eating behaviours that are responsible for the association of children's diet with sleep?
Authors: Khan Mohammad K. A. , Faught Erin L. , Chu Yen Li , Ekwaru John P. , Storey Kate E. , Veugelers Paul J. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBoth diet quality and sleep duration of children have declined in the past decades. Several studies have suggested that diet and sleep are associated; however, it is not established which aspects of the diet are responsible for this association. Is it nutrients, food items, diet quality or eating behaviours? We surveyed 2261 grade 5 children on their dietary intake and eating behaviours, and their parents on their sleep duration and sleep quality. We performed factor analysis to identify and quantify the essential factors among 57 nutrients, 132 food items and 19 eating behaviours. We considered these essential factors along with a diet quality score in multivariate regression analyses to assess their independent associations with sleep. Nutrients, food items and diet quality did not exhibit independent associations with sleep, whereas two groupings of eating behaviours did. ‘Unhealthy eating habits and environments’ was independently associated with sleep. For each standard deviation increase in their factor score, children had 6 min less sleep and were 12% less likely to have sleep of good quality. ‘Snacking between meals and after supper’ was independently associated with sleep quality. For each standard deviation increase in its factor score, children were 7% less likely to have good quality sleep. This study demonstrates that eating behaviours are responsible for the associations of diet with sleep among children. Health promotion programmes aiming to improve sleep should therefore focus on discouraging eating behaviours such as eating alone or in front of the TV, and snacking between meals and after supper.
Effects of cellulose derivative hydrocolloids on pasting, viscoelastic, and morphological characteristics of rice starch gel
Authors: Sun Jing , Zuo Xiao‐Bo , Fang Sheng , Xu Hua‐Neng , Chen Jie , Meng Yue‐Cheng , Chen Tao 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEffects of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) on the pasting, viscoelastic, and morphological properties of rice starch gel were studied. The addition of CMC increased the peak and trough viscosities, while decreased the final and setback viscosities of rice starch. The peak and trough viscosities of rice starch gel were only little affected by the addition of HPMC. The dynamic viscoelastic result showed that the addition of CMC significantly increased the values of storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″), while reduced the value of tanδ as compared to the control sample. Only a small increase in values of G′ and G″ was observed in the case of HPMC. The rice starch gel with CMC addition exhibited higher resistances to the stress and produced a stronger gel network. The creep recovery data were well fitted by a four‐element Burger's model. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics were in agreement with the finding of rheological results. It was concluded that the addition of CMC and HPMC modified the rheology of rice starch gel in different ways and interacted under different models based on their molecular structures.Practical applicationsGluten‐free foods such as rice cake are essential for people who suffer from celiac disease which is a digestive disorder caused by the consumption of grains containing gluten. The use of CMC and HPMC represents the most widespread approach used to mimic gluten in the manufacture of gluten‐free breads based on rice starch, due to their structure‐building and water‐binding properties. Therefore, it is necessary and crucial to investigate the physical‐chemical properties such as pasting and rheological properties of the rice starch with these hydrocolloids. In addition, a better understanding of the interactions of CMC and HPMC on the rice starch could provide additional tools for selection of gluten free recipes with improved rheological and textural properties.
Real‐world effectiveness for 12 weeks of ledipasvir–sofosbuvir for genotype 1 hepatitis C: the Trio Health study
Authors: Tapper E. B. , Bacon B. R. , Curry M. P. , Dieterich D. T. , Flamm S. L. , Guest L. E. , Kowdley K. V. , Lee Y. , Tsai N. C. , Younossi Z. M. , Afdhal N. H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEarly data regarding the “real‐world” experience with novel therapies for hepatitis C (HCV) are encouraging. Data are still limited, however, regarding real‐world rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) for ledipasvir–sofosbuvir (LDV‐SOF), particularly for patients with prior treatment failure. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1597 patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV who were treated using 12 weeks of the following regimens LDV‐SOF±ribavirin (RBV) (n=1521 without RBV, n=76 with RBV). The primary outcome was SVR‐determined at 12 weeks in an intention‐to‐treat design. Prescription according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved labelling (adding RBV for patients with cirrhosis and treatment failure) was assessed in multivariate models. The study population was aged 60 years on average (range 19‐89), 60% male, 50% Caucasian, 43% cared for at an academic centre and 30% cirrhotic. Overall, LDV‐SOF resulted in a 94% SVR rate. Only 44 (2.9%) patients relapsed. LDV‐SOF+RBV yielded SVR in 97% with 0 viral relapses. While cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia were associated with lower odds of SVR, in a multivariable regression model, only treatment at an academic centre and prescriptions contrary to FDA labelling were significantly associated with lower SVR—odds ratios, 0.56 95% CI (0.35‐0.87) and 0.29 95% CI(0.12‐0.68), respectively. The real‐world experience with LDV‐SOF mirrors the SVR rates observed in clinical trials. Efforts to promote prescription within FDA recommendations are warranted.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectant Footmats for the Reduction of Bacterial Contamination on Footwear in a Large Animal Veterinary Hospital
Authors: Hornig K.J. , Burgess B.A. , Saklou N.T. , Johnson V. , Malmlov A. , Van Metre D.C. , Morley P.S. , Byers S.R. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundInfection control is critical to providing high‐quality patient care. Many veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) utilize footbaths or footmats at entrances and key control points throughout the facility to decrease trafficking of pathogenic microorganism on contaminated footwear.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare efficacy of 4 disinfectants used in footmats for decreasing bacterial contamination of footwear in a large animal hospital.AnimalsA single adult dairy cow was housed in a stall for 4 days to facilitate stall contamination with fecal material.MethodsOverboots were experimentally contaminated with organic material in a standardized manner. Each boot was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments (no treatment, or exposure to 1 of 4 disinfectants: an accelerated peroxygen [AHP], a peroxygen [VIRKON], a quaternary ammonium [QUAT], and a phenolic disinfectant [PHENOLIC]) by stepping on a soaked footmat and collecting samples from boot soles. Generalized linear modeling was used to analyze differences in bacterial counts.ResultsReductions in colony‐forming units (CFUs) on treated boots ranged from no detectable reduction to 0.45 log10and varied by disinfectant. Percentage reductions in total bacterial counts generally were larger (albeit still modest) forAHPandQUATdisinfectants (range 37–45%) and smallest for thePHENOLIC(no detectable reduction).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn general, use of disinfectant footmats was associated with significant reductions in viable bacteria on overboots—albeit with variable efficacy. Footmats may be useful adjuncts to cleaning and disinfection programs for decreasing trafficking of microorganisms throughoutVTHs but should not be considered as a sole prevention method.
Real life Egyptian experience of efficacy and safety of Simeprevir/Sofosbuvir therapy in 6211 chronic HCV genotype IV infected patients
Authors: Eletreby Rasha , Elakel Wafaa , Said Mohamed , El Kassas Mohamed , Seif Sameh , Elbaz Tamer , El Raziky Maissa , Abdel Rehim Siham , Zaky Samy , Fouad Rabab , Gamal Eldeen Hadeel , Abdo Mahmoud , Korany Mohamed , Yosry Ayman , El Serafy Magdy , El‐Sayed Manal Hamdy , ElShazly Yehia , Waked Imam , Doss Wahid , Esmat Gamal 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsMajor changes have emerged during the last few years in the therapy of chronic HCV. Several direct acting antiviral agents have been developed showing potent activity with higher rates of sustained virological response, even in difficult‐to‐treat patients. This study explores real life experience concerning efficacy, safety and possible predictors of response for the first cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype IV treated with Sofosbuvir/Simprevir combination therapy.MethodsThis real life study recruited the first (6211) chronic HCV genotype IV Egyptian patients, who received antiviral therapy in viral hepatitis specialized treatment centres affiliated to the National committee for control of viral hepatitis. All enrolled patients received 12 weeks course of daily combination of sofosbuvir (400 mg) and simeprevir (150 mg). Patients were closely monitored for treatment safety and efficacy.ResultsOverall sustained virological response 12 rate was 94.0% while the end of treatment response rate was 97.6%. sustained virological response 12 rates in easy and difficult‐to‐treat groups were 96% and 93% respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant association of low albumin (<3.5), cirrhosis and Fib‐4 score (>3.25) with treatment failure. Fatal adverse events occurred in 23/6211 cases (0.37%) due to liver cell failure adverse events or SAEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 97 patients (1.6%).ConclusionSofosbuvir/Simeprevir combination is an effective and well tolerated regimen for patients with chronic HCV genotype IV.
Dietary patterns by cluster analysis in pregnant women: relationship with nutrient intakes and dietary patterns in 7‐year‐old offspring
Authors: Freitas‐Vilela Ana Amélia , Smith Andrew D. A. C. , Kac Gilberto , Pearson Rebecca M. , Heron Jon , Emond Alan , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Castro Maria Beatriz Trindade , Emmett Pauline M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLittle is known about how dietary patterns of mothers and their children track over time. The objectives of this study are to obtain dietary patterns in pregnancy using cluster analysis, to examine women's mean nutrient intakes in each cluster and to compare the dietary patterns of mothers to those of their children. Pregnant women (n = 12 195) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children reported their frequency of consumption of 47 foods and food groups. These data were used to obtain dietary patterns during pregnancy by cluster analysis. The absolute and energy‐adjusted nutrient intakes were compared between clusters. Women's dietary patterns were compared with previously derived clusters of their children at 7 years of age. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships comparing maternal and offspring clusters. Three maternal clusters were identified: ‘fruit and vegetables’, ‘meat and potatoes’ and ‘white bread and coffee’. After energy adjustment women in the ‘fruit and vegetables’ cluster had the highest mean nutrient intakes. Mothers in the ‘fruit and vegetables’ cluster were more likely than mothers in ‘meat and potatoes’ (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.00; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.69–2.36) or ‘white bread and coffee’ (OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.87–2.53) clusters to have children in a ‘plant‐based’ cluster. However the majority of children were in clusters unrelated to their mother dietary pattern. Three distinct dietary patterns were obtained in pregnancy; the ‘fruit and vegetables’ pattern being the most nutrient dense. Mothers' dietary patterns were associated with but did not dominate offspring dietary patterns.