bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations and interactions between lipid profiles, retinopathy and nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes: the FinnDiane Study
Authors: Tolonen N. , Hietala K. , Forsblom C. , Harjutsalo V. , Mäkinen V.‐P. , Kytö J. , Summanen P. A. , Thorn L. M. , Wadén J. , Gordin D. , Taskinen M.‐R. , Groop P.‐H. ,   the FinnDiane Study Group
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between lipid profiles and retinopathy in the large nationwide FinnDiane Study and to examine interactions and correlations between retinopathy, nephropathy and lipid variables.Design and subjectsA total of 1465 patients with type 1 diabetes, available lipid profiles, ophthalmic records and fundus photographs were included in the study. The Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale was used to assess the severity of retinopathy. In an independent cohort of 1100 patients, laser treatment was used to define severe diabetic retinopathy.ResultsHDL cholesterol was associated with proliferative retinopathy (PDR), and triglycerides were associated with mild nonproliferative retinopathy (NPDR) independently of nephropathy and other conventional risk factors (P < 0.01). Significant interactions were seen between albumin excretion rate (AER), retinopathy status and lipid parameters (including triglycerides, non‐HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B; P < 0.001). Highly different correlations between AER and lipid variables were observed in patients without retinopathy or with mild NPDR compared with patients with moderate to severe NPDR or PDR. Similar interactions and correlations were observed in an independent cohort stratified by laser treatment. In patients without retinopathy or with mild NPDR, AER was low despite HDL cholesterol in the lowest or triglycerides, total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol in the highest quartiles.ConclusionsNephropathy had a strong effect on the associations between lipid variables and retinopathy, whilst dyslipidaemia was associated with nephropathy only in the presence of retinopathy. This finding suggests the existence of shared pathogenic mechanisms between retinopathy and nephropathy which could be targeted to prevent complications in patients with metabolic risk factors.
Skin Capillary Density in Infants Born to Normotensive Mothers: A Comparison Between Singleton and Twin Infants
Authors: Raghuraman Rajendra P. , D'Souza Rohan , Nathan Preetha , Wang Duolao , Manyonda Isaac T. , Antonios Tarek F.T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTwin infants tend to have LBW and microvascular alterations but do not appear to have an increase in cardiovascular mortality later in life as singleton infants. We hypothesized that twin infants born to normotensive mothers would not have capillary rarefaction at birth.MethodsWe studied 26 dizygotic twin infants and compared them with 115 consecutive singleton infants to normotensive mothers. We used orthogonal polarized spectroscopy to measure basal (i.e., functional) and maximal (i.e., structural) skin capillary density according to a well‐standardized protocol.ResultsTwin infants have significantly higher BCD (mean difference 4.3 capillaries/mm2, 95% CI: 0.4, 8.1, p = 0.03) and have marginally significantly higher MCD (mean difference 3.9 capillaries/mm2, 95% CI: −0.6, 8.3, p = 0.086) compared to singleton infants. Birth weight was significantly associated with BCD and MCD (p = 0.003 and 0.006).ConclusionsTwin infants with low and NBWs tend to have higher functional and structural capillary densities compared to singleton infants. Further longitudinal studies of skin capillary density and of retinal vascular parameters commencing from birth to various stages in early childhood are essential to identify the dynamics and the exact timing, if any, of the remodeling of microcirculation in these individuals.
Risk factors for hospitalization among older, incident haemodialysis patients
Authors: Schoonover Kimberly L , Hickson LaTonya J , Norby Suzanne M , Hogan Marie C , Chaudhary Sanjay , Albright Robert C , Dillon John J , McCarthy James T , Williams Amy W 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimsThe number of elderly persons with end‐stage renal disease is increasing with many requiring hospitalizations. This study examines the causes and predictors of hospitalization in older haemodialysis patients.MethodsWe reviewed hospitalizations of older (≥65 years) incident chronic haemodialysis patients initiating therapy between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 under the care of a single Midwestern United States dialysis provider.ResultsOf 125 patients, the mean age was 76 ± 7 years and 72% were male. At first dialysis, 68% used a central venous catheter (CVC) and 51% were in the hospital. Mean follow‐up was 1.8 ± 1.0 years. At least one hospitalization occurred in 89 (71%) patients and half of all patients were hospitalized once within the first 223 days. Total hospital admission rate was 1.48 per patient year with hospital days totalling 8.54 days per patient year. The three most common reasons for first admission were cardiac (33%), infection (18%) and gastrointestinal (12%). Predictors of future hospitalization included the first dialysis occurring in hospital (hazard ratios (HR) 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.3, P = 0.0005) and the use of a CVC at first haemodialysis (HR 2.6, CI 1.6–4.4, P < 0.0001).ConclusionHospitalizations are common in older incident haemodialysis patients. Access preparation and overall burden of illness leading to the initial hospitalization appear to play a role. Identification of additional factors associated with hospitalization will allow for focused interventions to reduce hospitalization rates and increase the value of care.
Influence of dialysis modality and membrane flux on insomnia severity in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Knezevic Marinela Z , Djordjevic Vladimir V , Jankovic Slobodan M , Djordjevic Vidojko M 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimInsomnia is an important problem in dialysis patients. A greater prevalence of insomnia in chronic kidney disease compared with non‐renal patients suggests a role for uraemic toxins in contributing to insomnia. The aim of this study was to examine if dialysis modality and membrane permeability is associated with the frequency and severity of insomnia in haemodialysis patients.MethodsIn our cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 122 patients who were divided into three groups: on‐line haemodiafiltration, high flux haemodialysis and low flux haemodialysis. The frequency and severity of insomnia was evaluated with the Insomnia Severity Index.ResultsInsomnia was present in 47.5% of all patients. The majority of patients who reported insomnia were receiving low flux haemodialysis (80%), followed by patients on high flux haemodialysis (43.6%) and haemodiafiltration (20.9%). Patients using low flux membranes, had a significantly higher Insomnia Severity Index (11.9 ± 6.6) compared with patients receiving high flux haemodialysis (6.8 ± 6.3) and haemodiafiltration (5.2 ± 7.0). The insomnia severity index did not differ between patients receiving high flux haemodialysis compared with on‐line haemodiafiltration.ConclusionThis study indicates that different haemodialysis modalities are associated with insomnia and suggests a potential benefit of using high flux membranes.
Electroacupuncture improves burn‐induced impairment in gastric motility mediated via the vagal mechanism in rats
Authors: Song J. , Yin J. , Sallam H. S. , Bai T. , Chen Y. , Chen J. D. Z. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundDelayed gastric emptying (GE) is common in patients with severe burns. This study was designed to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastric motility in rats with burns.MethodsMale rats (intact and vagotomized) were implanted with gastric electrodes, chest and abdominal wall electrodes for investigating the effects of EA at ST‐36 (stomach‐36 or Zusanli) on GE, gastric slow waves, autonomic functions, and plasma interleukin 6 (IL‐6) 6 and 24 h post severe burns.Key Results(i) Burn delayed GE (P < 0.001). Electroacupuncture improved GE 6 and 24 h post burn (P < 0.001). Vagotomy blocked the EA effect on GE. (ii) Electroacupuncture improved burn‐induced gastric dysrhythmia. The percentage of normal slow waves was increased with EA 6 and 24 h post burn (P = 0.02). (iii) Electroacupuncture increased vagal activity assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The high‐frequency component reflecting vagal component was increased with EA 6 (P = 0.004) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.03, vs sham‐EA). (iv) Electroacupuncture attenuated burn‐induced increase in plasma IL‐6 at both 6 (P = 0.03) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.003).Conclusions & InferencesElectroacupuncture at ST‐36 improves gastric dysrhythmia and accelerates GE in rats with burns. The improvement seems to be mediated via the vagal pathway involving the inflammatory cytokine IL‐6.
Reduced transpiration response to precipitation pulses precedes mortality in a piñon–juniper woodland subject to prolonged drought
Authors: Plaut Jennifer A. , Wadsworth W. Duncan , Pangle Robert , Yepez Enrico A. , McDowell Nate G. , Pockman William T. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Global climate change is predicted to alter the intensity and duration of droughts, but the effects of changing precipitation patterns on vegetation mortality are difficult to predict. Our objective was to determine whether prolonged drought or above‐average precipitation altered the capacity to respond to the individual precipitation pulses that drive productivity and survival.

We analyzed 5 yr of data from a rainfall manipulation experiment in piñon–juniper (Pinus edulis–Juniperus monosperma) woodland using mixed effects models of transpiration response to event size, antecedent soil moisture, and post‐event vapor pressure deficit. Replicated treatments included irrigation, drought, ambient control and infrastructure control.

Mortality was highest under drought, and the reduced post‐pulse transpiration in the droughted trees that died was attributable to treatment effects beyond drier antecedent conditions and reduced event size. In particular, trees that died were nearly unresponsive to antecedent shallow soil moisture, suggesting reduced shallow absorbing root area. Irrigated trees showed an enhanced response to precipitation pulses.

Prolonged drought initiates a downward spiral whereby trees are increasingly unable to utilize pulsed soil moisture. Thus, the additive effects of future, more frequent droughts may increase drought‐related mortality.
Competition between plant and bacterial cells at the microscale regulates the dynamics of nitrogen acquisition in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Jones David L. , Clode Peta L. , Kilburn Matt R. , Stockdale Elizabeth A. , Murphy Daniel V. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

The ability of plants to compete effectively for nitrogen (N) resources is critical to plant survival. However, controversy surrounds the importance of organic and inorganic sources of N in plant nutrition because of our poor ability to visualize and understand processes happening at the root–microbial–soil interface.

Using high‐resolution nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry stable isotope imaging (NanoSIMS‐SII), we quantified the fate of 15N over both space and time within the rhizosphere. We pulse‐labelled the soil surrounding wheat (Triticum aestivum) roots with either or 15N‐glutamate and traced the movement of 15N over 24 h.

Imaging revealed that glutamate was rapidly depleted from the rhizosphere and that most 15N was captured by rhizobacteria, leading to very high 15N microbial enrichment. After microbial capture, approximately half of the 15N‐glutamate was rapidly mineralized, leading to the excretion of , which became available for plant capture. Roots proved to be poor competitors for 15N‐glutamate and took up N mainly as . Spatial mapping of 15N revealed differential patterns of 15N uptake within bacteria and the rapid uptake and redistribution of 15N within roots.

In conclusion, we demonstrate the rapid cycling and transformation of N at the soil–root interface and that wheat capture of organic N is low in comparison to inorganic N under the conditions tested.
The impact of initiatives to limit the advertising of food and beverage products to children: a systematic review
Authors: Galbraith‐Emami S. , Lobstein T. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIn response to increasing evidence that advertising of foods and beverages affects children's food choices and food intake, several national governments and many of the world's larger food and beverage manufacturers have acted to restrict the marketing of their products to children or to advertise only ‘better for you’ products or ‘healthier dietary choices’ to children. Independent assessment of the impact of these pledges has been difficult due to the different criteria being used in regulatory and self‐regulatory regimes. In this paper, we undertook a systematic review to examine the data available on levels of exposure of children to the advertising of less healthy foods since the introduction of the statutory and voluntary codes. The results indicate a sharp division in the evidence, with scientific, peer‐reviewed papers showing that high levels of such advertising of less healthy foods continue to be found in several different countries worldwide. In contrast, the evidence provided in industry‐sponsored reports indicates a remarkably high adherence to voluntary codes. We conclude that adherence to voluntary codes may not sufficiently reduce the advertising of foods which undermine healthy diets, or reduce children's exposure to this advertising.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate body composition in children and adolescents: a systematic review and evidence appraisal of validity, responsiveness, reliability and measurement error
Authors: Talma H. , Chinapaw M. J. M. , Bakker B. , HiraSing R. A. , Terwee C. B. , Altenburg T. M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a practical method to estimate percentage body fat (%BF). In this systematic review, we aimed to assess validity, responsiveness, reliability and measurement error of BIA methods in estimating %BF in children and adolescents.We searched for relevant studies in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane through November 2012. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion, extracted data and rated methodological quality of the included studies. We performed a best evidence synthesis to synthesize the results, thereby excluding studies of poor quality. We included 50 published studies. Mean differences between BIA and reference methods (gold standard [criterion validity] and convergent measures of body composition [convergent validity]) were considerable and ranged from negative to positive values, resulting in conflicting evidence for criterion validity. We found strong evidence for a good reliability, i.e. (intra‐class) correlations ≥0.82. However, test‐retest mean differences ranged from 7.5% to 13.4% of total %BF in the included study samples, indicating considerable measurement error. Our systematic review suggests that BIA is a practical method to estimate %BF in children and adolescents. However, validity and measurement error are not satisfactory.
Plaque‐Like Myofibroblastic Tumor: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Marqueling Ann L. , Dasher David , Friedlander Sheila F. , McCalmont Timothy H. , Frieden Ilona J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPlaque‐like myofibroblastic tumor of infancy (PMTI) was first reported in 2007. The first two cases described large, plaque‐like tumors presenting in infancy with microscopic features consistent with dermatofibroma but with immunohistochemical features of myofibrocytic lineage. We present three additional cases of PMTI, the first cases reported since the initial two cases, and describe additional clinical features of this condition, including presentation in early childhood as opposed to infancy, development of ulceration, and aggressive growth. We propose shortening the name of this condition to plaque‐like myofibroblastic tumor because presentation can occur in infancy or in early childhood.
Differential clinical characteristics of acute liver failure caused by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children
Authors: Ryu Jeong‐Min , Kim Kyung Mo , Oh Seak Hee , Koh Kyung Nam , Im Ho Joon , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Seo Jong Jin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildren with acute liver failure (ALF) caused by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) may be at risk of undergoing unnecessary liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of ALF caused by HLH with those of ALF of unknown etiology in children.MethodsThe clinical features and laboratory findings for eight children with ALF caused by HLH (ALF‐HLH group) and 27 children with ALF of unknown etiology (ALF‐UK group) were retrospectively compared by reviewing medical records.ResultsThe ALF‐HLH group had a higher incidence of pleural effusion, C‐reactive protein elevation (especially >5 mg/dL), thrombocytopenia, anemia, fever, splenomegaly, and hypoalbuminemia (<2.5 mg/dL), and a higher in‐hospital mortality rate. No significant differences were found in the white blood cell count, liver enzymes, coagulation profile, or incidence of hepatomegaly.ConclusionsLT should be performed only after it is proven that ALF is not caused by HLH, if a child with ALF shows the differential clinical features of ALF caused by HLH. Further research with larger sample sizes, however, is needed.
Immobile and tough versus mobile and weak: effects of ultraviolet B radiation on eggs and larvae of Manduca sexta
Authors: POTTER KRISTEN A. , WOODS H. ARTHUR 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough indirect effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on insects are well known (e.g. UV radiation can modify plant chemistry), direct effects of solar radiation on insects have received little attention. Radiation in the UVB range (300–320 nm) is damaging because it is absorbed directly by proteins and DNA. UVB should be toughest on immobile or small life stages, such as eggs or early larval instars. In the present study, the effects of UVB radiation on eggs and larvae of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta L. (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) are examined. The present study aimed to address: what natural levels of UV do they experience; how does UVB affect the performance of eggs; and how does it affect the performance of larvae? In addition, do M. sexta larvae use behaviour to avoid UVB exposure and, consequently, are they physiologically less robust to UVB? In these experiments, eggs and late larval instars of M. sexta are found to be robust to natural levels of UV radiation. By contrast, young larvae are not only more susceptible to damage from UVB, but also they use behavioural means to avoid it. The strategy of using behaviour may relax selection pressures on morphological and physiological mechanisms for preventing (or recovering from) damage by environmental UV radiation.
Fusarium solani f. sp. passiflorae: a new forma specialis causing collar rot in yellow passion fruit
Authors: Bueno C. J. , Fischer I. H. , Rosa D. D. , Firmino A. C. , Harakava R. , Oliveira C. M. G. , Furtado E. L. 
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to characterize a Fusarium population obtained from yellow passion fruit (YPF) with collar rot using pathogenicity, morphocultural characteristics and molecular tests. Pathogenicity and disease severity were assessed in six plant species: YPF, zucchini, tomato, bean, soya bean and cucumber. Potato dextrose agar medium (PDA) was used to determine mycelial growth at five temperatures (15–35°C). The colour produced by isolates was also determined on PDA at 25°C. Synthetic nutrient agar medium was used to evaluate: (i) type of mycelium and phialides; (ii) size, shape and number of septa from conidia; and (iii) production of chlamydospores and perithecia. Molecular tests consisted of sequencing the ITS–5·8S rDNA region and elongation factor 1α (EF‐1α) gene. The isolates caused large lesions on YPF, zucchini and tomato, with YPF having the highest mean disease severity and being the only one that showed wilt symptoms and death of the plant. Thus the isolates showed host specificity. Maximum mycelial growth occurred at 25°C and the predominant colour was bluish‐white. The isolates produced long phialides, dense aerial mycelium, oval microconidia with a mean size of 9·5 × 2·6 μm, macroconidia of 32·7 × 3·4 μm with 3·3 septa, and chlamydospores; only one isolate lacked perithecia. Phylogenetic trees of the ITS region and EF‐1α gene showed that isolates from YPF formed a distinct group within the F. solani group and the formae speciales of F. solani. It is proposed to name all isolates from YPF as F. solani f. sp. passiflorae.
Quantifying resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae in Brassica hosts
Authors: Cao T. , Rennie D. C. , Manolii V. P. , Hwang S. F. , Falak I. , Strelkov S. E. 
Published: July 2013

Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot of crucifers. A quantitative PCR (qPCR)‐based protocol was developed to measure P. brassicae DNA in the roots of susceptible, intermediately susceptible, intermediately resistant and resistant Brassica hosts, and the non‐host wheat, at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 42 days post‐inoculation (dpi). The final reaction of each plant genotype was recorded as an index of disease at 42 dpi. Plasmodiophora brassicae DNA showed an increase in susceptible and moderately resistant hosts from 5 to 42 dpi, in contrast to a decrease in a highly resistant host and the non‐host wheat over the same period. Index of disease was significantly positively correlated with the amount of P. brassicae DNA in the roots at 5, 15, 20 and 42 dpi in one experiment, and at 10, 15, 20 and 42 dpi in a repeated experiment. Significant positive correlations also existed between the amounts of P. brassicae DNA in the roots at 42 dpi and those at 5, 10, 15 and 20 dpi in one experiment, and those at 10, 15 and 20 dpi in a repeated experiment. The results generated by the qPCR assay were validated by microscopic examination of roots inoculated with P. brassicae. The qPCR‐based protocol developed in this study allows for the accurate quantification of P. brassicae DNA in host root tissues as early as 5 dpi, and may serve as a useful tool to evaluate pathogen proliferation and development in the roots.