bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology‐based dietary assessment: development of the Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP™)
Authors: Moore H. J. , Hillier F. C. , Batterham A. M. , Ells L. J. , Summerbell C. D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAccurate, reliable and feasible methods of dietary intake and physical activity assessment are required to improve our understanding of the associations between energy balance‐related behaviours and health.MethodsThe Synchronised Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP™) was developed to enhance recall in children by integrating new and established methods of dietary intake and physical activity recall. A list of commonly consumed foods (n = 40), drinks (n = 9) and physical activities (n = 29) was used in SNAP™. All foods and drinks were analysed by count (i.e. the number of times a particular food was selected), as a proxy indicator of dietary behaviours. All reported physical activities were assigned an intensity code [in metabolic equivalents (METs)] to determine minutes of moderate–vigorous activity (MVPA; ≥3 METs).ResultsMost participants completed a whole day's recall (both dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min. SNAP™ was compared against 24‐h multiple pass questionnaire and accelerometry in 121 children (aged 7–15 years old). For dietary variables, the accuracy of SNAP™ (mean difference) was within ±1 count for the majority of food groups. The proportion of the sample with a between‐method agreement within ±1 count ranged from 0.40 to 0.99. For MVPA, there was no substantial fixed or proportional bias, with a mean difference between methods (SNAP™ – accelerometry) of −9 min of MVPA. Qualitatively, participants have indicated that they find SNAP™ easy and fun to use.ConclusionsSNAP™ was developed to be a simple, quick and engaging method of assessing energy balance‐related behaviours at a group or population level and succeeded because it can collect a whole day's recall (dietary intake and physical activities) in less than 25 min to a reasonable and acceptable degree of accuracy.
A Two‐Decade Watershed Approach to Stream Restoration Log Jam Design and Stream Recovery Monitoring: Finney Creek, Washington
Authors: Nichols Roger A. , Ketcheson Gary L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA federal, state, and private partnership leveraged resources and employed a long‐term, systematic approach to improve aquatic habitat degraded by decades of intensive forest management in Finney Creek, a tributary to the Skagit River of Northwest Washington State. After more than a decade of work to reduce sediment sources and the risk of landslides within the watershed, log jam installation commenced in 1999 and progressed downstream through 2010. Log jam design was adapted as experience was gained. A total of 181 log jams, including 60 floating log ballasted jams, were constructed along 12 km of channel. The goal was to alter hydraulic processes that affect aquatic habitat formation along 39 km of stream with emphasis on 18.5 km of lower Finney Creek. Aquatic habitat surveys over a five‐year period show an increase in the area of large pools and an accompanying increase in residual and maximum pool depth in the lower river reach. Channel cross sections show a generally deeper channel at the log jams, better channel definition in the gravel deposits at the head of the log jams, and improved riffle and thalweg development below the log jams. Stream temperature in the upper river decreased by 1.0°F in the first three years, and 1.1°F in the lowest treated reach over nine years. There is a trend of less stream heating over the restoration time period. Photo points show that riparian vegetation is recolonizing gravel bars.
Morphology of Far‐Field Electrograms and Antitachycardia Pacing Effectiveness Among Fast Ventricular Tachycardias Occurring in ICD Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐CANDIL JAVIER , ANGUERA IGNASI , LEDESMA CLAUDIO , FERNÁNDEZ‐PORTALES JAVIER , MORÍÑIGO JOSÉ LUIS , DALLAGLIO PAOLO , MARTÍN ANA , CANO TERESA , HERNÁNDEZ JESÚS , SABATÉ XAVIER , MARTÍN‐LUENGO CÁNDIDO 
Published: July 2013

Morphology of Far‐Field Electrograms and ATP EffectivenessIntroductionFast ventricular tachycardias (FVT) are less likely to be terminated by antitachycardia pacing (ATP). No information is available regarding the ability of far‐field electrogram (Ff‐EG) morphology (Ff‐EGm) in predicting the result of the subsequent ATP. Our objective is to determine the relationship between Ff‐EGm and ATP efficacy.Methods and ResultsIn this multicenter study we analyzed 289 FVT (cycle length [CL]: 250–320 milliseconds) occurring consecutively in 52 ICD patients with Medtronic devices (LVEF: 37 ± 6; pacing site: right ventricular apex). FVT programming was standardized, including a single ATP burst as initial therapy. The configuration of Ff‐EG was HVA versus HVB. FVTs were classified in QFVT or non‐QFVT according to the presence or absence of a negative initial deflection in the Ff‐EG. The mean CL was 291 ± 24 milliseconds. We observed 4 Ff‐EGm: QS (n = 14, 5%), QR (n = 158, 55%), R (n = 93, 32%), and RS (n = 24, 8%). The ATP effectiveness was 80% (86% in QS, 85% in QR, 74% in R, 62% in RS). The frequency of successful ATP was higher in QFVT: 86 versus 71% (P = 0.002). By logistic regression analysis, a QFVT pattern (OR = 2.3; P = 0.015) remained as an independent predictor of effective ATP. ATP was safer in QFVTs, the frequencies of shock (14% vs 29%; P = 0.002), acceleration (5.1 vs 12.3%; P = 0.02), and syncope (4.6 vs 12.3%; P = 0.01) being lower.ConclusionsSince ATP is less effective in non‐QFVTs, they are less well tolerated. Therefore, the substrate of non‐QFVTs may need a specific treatment.
Cognitive and language skills in adults with autism: a 40‐year follow‐up
Authors: Howlin Patricia , Savage Sarah , Moss Philippa , Tempier Althea , Rutter Michael 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundIt is well established that very few individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and an IQ below 70 are able to live independently as adults. However, even amongst children with an IQ in the normal range, outcome is very variable. Childhood factors that predict later stability, improvement or decline in cognitive functioning remain uncertain and, in particular, very little is known about trajectories in later adulthood.MethodChanges in cognitive and language ability from childhood to adulthood were assessed in 60 individuals with autism, all of whom had an IQ in the average range as children. Mean age in childhood = 6 years (range 2–13 years); mean age in adulthood = 44 years (range 29–64 years). Trajectories of change and factors related to current cognitive abilities were explored.ResultsFor the majority of participants (N = 45, 75%), who were testable both as children and adults, IQ remained very stable and language also improved over time. However, 15 individuals could not be assessed on standard tests as adults and their developmental level could be estimated only on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Almost all these adults (apart from one who had suffered a major stroke) showed severe aggressive or self‐injurious behaviours; none had ever developed language above a 3‐year level, and seven had developed epilepsy.ConclusionsFor most individuals with autism who had an IQ in the average range (i.e. ≥70) as children, childhood IQ proved a reliable predictor of cognitive functioning well into mid‐ to‐ later adulthood. However, a significant minority was no longer testable on standard tests as adults. Their current very low levels of functional ability were generally associated with severe behavioural disturbance and persisting and severe language impairment; 50% of these individuals had also developed epilepsy, pointing to the role of organic brain dysfunction. Implications for early intervention are discussed.
Internal working models and adjustment of physically abused children: the mediating role of self‐regulatory abilities
Authors: Hawkins Amy L. , Haskett Mary E. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundAbused children's internal working models (IWM) of relationships are known to relate to their socioemotional adjustment, but mechanisms through which negative representations increase vulnerability to maladjustment have not been explored. We sought to expand the understanding of individual differences in IWM of abused children and investigate the mediating role of self‐regulation in links between IWM and adjustment.MethodsCluster analysis was used to subgroup 74 physically abused children based on their IWM. Internal working models were identified by children's representations, as measured by a narrative story stem task. Self‐regulation was assessed by teacher report and a behavioral task, and adjustment was measured by teacher report.ResultsCluster analyses indicated two subgroups of abused children with distinct patterns of IWMs. Cluster membership predicted internalizing and externalizing problems. Associations between cluster membership and adjustment were mediated by children's regulation, as measured by teacher reports of many aspects of regulation. There was no support for mediation when regulation was measured by a behavioral task that tapped more narrow facets of regulation.ConclusionsAbused children exhibit clinically relevant individual differences in their IWMs; these models are linked to adjustment in the school setting, possibly through children's self‐regulation.
Leg ulcers in patients with β‐thalassaemia intermedia: a single centre's experience
Authors: Matta B. N. , Abbas O. , Maakaron J. E. , Koussa S. , Daderian R. H. , Taher A. T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundLeg ulcers in β‐thalassaemia intermedia (TI) patients are a relatively common occurrence that have an 8% prevalence. Both the pathophysiology and treatment of this condition have not been well‐elucidated. This is mainly because of the rarity of the disease and the lack of well‐structured studies. The goal of this study was to better explore the risk factors for the development of this condition along with the treatment options available.MethodsWe present 11 such cases that have occurred in 6 β‐TI patients over the course of 19 years who are followed up at the Chronic Care Center of Lebanon.ResultsOur patient population comprised three men and three women aged between 25 and 58, most of whom had iron overload and with an average lifetime haemoglobin ranging between 49 g/L and 77 g/L. Most of the patients were treated with blood transfusions with varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, some received Hydroxyurea, granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) or topical antibiotics.ConclusionOur results show that chelation therapy, hydroxyurea use and blood transfusions are beneficial in the treatment of this condition. Whether foetal haemoglobin is directly related to the development of the ulcers is not clear based on our results. Larger studies are needed to better explore the risk factors that predispose patients to this condition.
Hypothalamic Distribution of Somatostatin mRNA Expressing Neurones Relative to Pubertal and Adult Changes in Pulsatile Growth Hormone Secretion in Mice
Authors: Tan H. Y. , Huang L. , Simmons D. , Veldhuis J. D. , Steyn F. J. , Chen C. 
Published: July 2013

The age‐associated decline in growth hormone (GH) secretion may be a consequence of the reduction in the number of GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) positive neurones. However, it remains unclear whether an alteration in the number or distribution of somatostatin (SST) neurones contributes to this change. In the present study, we characterised the role of SST in modulating the change in pulsatile GH secretion in male C57Bl/6J mice throughout puberty and into early adulthood. We assessed pulsatile GH secretion in mice at 4, 8 and 16 weeks of age. These ages correspond to early pubertal, early adulthood and adulthood, respectively. We show an elevation in peak, total and pulsatile GH secretion coinciding with periods of rapid linear growth. Using in situ hybridisation and morphometric methods, we mapped the distribution of Sst mRNA expression within the mouse brain relative to this change in pulsatile GH secretion. The results obtained show that altered pulsatile GH secretion in male mice from 4–16 weeks of age does not coincide with a significant change in the number of Sst mRNA expressing neurones or an abundance of Sst mRNA expression throughout the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and periventricular nucleus (PeV). Rather, we observed a progressive decline in Sst mRNA expressing neurones within subnuclei of the paraventricular nucleus at this time. We conclude that structural changes in Sst expression within the PeV and ARC may not reflect the observed decline in pulsatile GH secretion in mice from puberty into early adulthood.
Enhanced intestinal absorption activity and hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione via preparation of nanosuspensions using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization process
Authors: Shen Baode , Jin Shiying , Lv Qingyuan , Jin Shixiao , Yu Chao , Yue Pengfei , Han Jin , Yuan Hailong 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The main purpose of this study was to enhance the intestinal absorption activity and hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione by drug nanosuspensions.

Methods
Herpetrione nanosuspensions (HNS) were prepared using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization process and then systematically characterized. The intestinal absorption activity of HNS were studied using the recirculating perfusion technique in comparison with herpetrione coarse suspensions (HCS) and pure herpetrione using the recirculating perfusion technique. The protective effect of HNS against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice was also investigated and compared with that of HCS.

Key findings
The mean particle size of HNS was 269 ± 7 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.187 ± 0.021. The result of X-ray powder diffraction indicated that herpetrione was in amorphous state in both coarse powder and nanosuspensions. The intestinal absorption activity of HNS were superior to the HCS and pure herpetrione. As evidenced by the lowering of serum aminotransferase levels and the improvement of the degree of liver lesion, pretreatment with HNS markedly enhanced the hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione against acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in mice.

Conclusion
HNS prepared using pH-dependent dissolving-precipitating/homogenization technique are able to significantly enhance the intestinal absorption activity and the hepatoprotective effect of herpetrione due to the particle size reduction.
Insulin receptor‐like ectodomain genes and splice variants are found in both arthropods and human brain cDNA
Authors: VÄSTERMARK Åke , RASK‐ANDERSEN Mathias , SAWANT Rahul S. , REITER Jill L. , SCHIÖTH Helgi B. , WILLIAMS Michael J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTruncated receptor ectodomains have been described for several classes of cell surface receptors, including those that bind to growth factors, cytokines, immunoglobulins, and adhesion molecules. Soluble receptor isoforms are typically generated by proteolytic cleavage of the cell surface receptor or by alternative splicing of RNA transcripts arising from the same gene encoding the full‐length receptor. Both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the insulin receptor (INSR) families produce soluble receptor splice variants in vertebrates and truncated forms of insulin receptor‐like sequences have previously been described in Drosophila. The EGFR and INSR ectodomains share significant sequence homology with each other suggestive of a common evolutionary origin. We discovered novel truncated insulin receptor‐like variants in several arthropod species. We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the conserved extracellular receptor L1 and L2 subdomains in invertebrate species. Although the segregation of insulin receptor‐like L1 and L2 domains indicated that an internal domain duplication had occurred only once, the generation of truncated insulin receptor‐like sequences has occurred multiple times. The significance of this work is the previously unknown and widespread occurrence of truncated isoforms in arthropods, signifying that these isoforms play an important functional role, potentially related to such isoforms in mammals.
The distribution of a host‐specific canopy parasite is linked with local species diversity in a northern temperate forest
Authors: Patankar Rajit , Fuller Michael M. , Smith Sandy M. , Thomas Sean C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractQuestionIs the spatial distribution and density of the maple spindle gall miteVasates aceriscrumena(MSGM) positively correlated with the distribution and density of its host? Is the distribution ofMSGMinfluenced by non‐host species and abiotic factors?LocationTemperate mixed hardwood forest stand,HaliburtonForest andWildlifeReserve,Ontario,Canada.MethodsWe used the mapped locations of host and non‐host trees to investigate the cause of spatial variation in the density ofMSGMwithin an 8.8‐ha forest plot in centralOntario,Canada. Gall densities were determined from fallen leaves, collected at 20‐m intervals. We usedMantel and partialMantel tests to compute the correlation between gall density and several spatially variable biotic and abiotic factors: (1) host density and basal area, (2) density of non‐host stems, (3) overall stem density, (4) stem species diversity and (5) topography.ResultsThe density of leaf galls was weakly correlated with host density and basal area. Although the correlation with host density and basal area was statistically significant, leaf gall density was more strongly correlated with overall tree species richness and overall stem density. Gall densities were highest at the boundaries of neighbourhoods containing high and moderate sugar maple (Acer saccharum) densities. PartialMantel tests indicated that the observed spatial correlations held when controlling for the potential influence of topography.ConclusionsBased on the spatial relationships documented here, we speculate that the mechanism responsible for the correlation between theMSGMand non‐host stems is parasite‐induced host stress. Separate studies have established a strong negative impact of theMSGMparasite on sugar maple stem growth. We suggest that by weakening the competitive ability of its host, the parasite indirectly promotes local species diversity through competitive release. Given the high diversity and prevalence of leaf gall parasites in mixed hardwood stands, depression of host dominance by leaf parasites may represent an unexplored mechanism for the maintenance of species diversity in northern temperate forests.
What do we know about armadillos? An analysis of four centuries of knowledge about a group of South American mammals, with emphasis on their conservation
Authors: Superina Mariella , Pagnutti Noralí , Abba Agustín M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Basic knowledge on the biology and ecology of a species is fundamental for the realistic assessment of its conservation status and for planning effective conservation strategies. The latest assessment of the 21 extant armadillo species (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for its Red List of Threatened Species shows that considerable gaps exist in our knowledge of these Neotropical mammals.
Our goal was to analyse the existing literature on armadillos to define thematic and regional research priorities that will eventually benefit their conservation.
We categorized 3117 publications on extant armadillos published between 1660 and 2011 according to their research topic, species studied, country and publication language.
The number of publications per research topic and the number per species were very variable. The nine best‐studied species are classed as Least Concern by the IUCN, while three of the four least‐studied species are classed as Data Deficient. At least one field study was done in each range country, but over 80% of field research took place in the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. Most research was done in the USA on leprosy in Dasypus novemcinctus. Most ecological research has been focused on four species, and data on the ecology of Data Deficient and Vulnerable taxa are virtually absent.
Field research on armadillos should be intensified to broaden conservation‐relevant knowledge. Additional studies in the Guianas, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Paraguay are urgently needed to assess the conservation status of armadillos in these regions. Future research should focus on ecology, conservation, population genetics, reproduction and threats. Species priorities should include country endemics, such as Dasypus pilosus (Peru), Tolypeutes tricinctus (Brazil) and Dasypus yepesi and Chlamyphorus truncatus (Argentina), as well as other Data Deficient and Vulnerable species, especially Cabassous centralis and Calyptophractus retusus.
Occurrence and host preferences of Anopheles maculipennis group mosquitoes in England and Wales
Authors: DANABALAN R. , MONAGHAN M. T. , PONSONBY D. J. , LINTON Y.‐M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractMosquitoes of the Anopheles maculipennis Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) group are of public health concern: five of the 11 morphologically indistinct species have been historically considered as vectors of malaria in Europe. Three members of the An. maculipennis group have been reported in the U.K.: Anopheles atroparvus van Thiel; Anopheles messeae Falleroni, and Anopheles daciae Linton, Nicolescu & Harbach. To study the distribution of the three U.K. species, particularly that of An. daciae, we developed a polymerase chain reaction–Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS‐2) gene. Anopheles daciae was found to be widespread, occurring in four of the five counties surveyed in southern England and on the Welsh island of Anglesey, often in sympatry with the closely related species An. messeae. The host preferences of 237 blood‐fed females were determined using either direct sequencing or PCR‐based fragment analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase b gene with DNA from females' abdomens. All three species were found to be opportunistic, having fed on at least three different hosts. Seventeen individuals contained multiple bloodmeals, including two An. daciae that had fed on humans and birds. Our results show that An. daciae is widespread in England and Wales, occurs in sympatry with other members of the An. maculipennis group, and feeds on humans, which suggests it is a potential vector of disease in the U.K.
Resveratrol in the management of human cancer: how strong is the clinical evidence?
Authors: Gescher Andreas , Steward William P. , Brown Karen 
Published: July 2013

Among the plethora of biochemical mechanisms engaged by resveratrol in preclinical systems, its anticarcinogenic effects represent some of the most convincing and intriguing. As outlined in this review, there is considerable interest in developing resveratrol for cancer prevention and treatment. The plasma pharmacokinetics of resveratrol in humans are now reasonably well defined, and studies have shown that repeated daily doses up to 1 g are safe and well tolerated, although gastrointestinal toxicity is observed at higher intakes. However, care is needed regarding underlying conditions in specific patient groups, and there is potential for drug interactions at doses greater than 1 gram. Little is known regarding the pharmacodynamic effects of resveratrol in humans, but the observation that it modulates components of the insulin‐like growth factor system in the plasma of volunteers is encouraging. While the knowledge base that helps determine whether resveratrol may be useful in cancer management has increased substantially in recent years, important questions remain.