bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Flavonoids Added to Pharmacological Antihypertensive Therapy are Effective in Improving Blood Pressure
Authors: de Jesús Romero‐Prado Marina María , Curiel‐Beltrán Jesús Aarón , Miramontes‐Espino María Viviana , Cardona‐Muñoz Ernesto Germán , Rios‐Arellano Angeles , Balam‐Salazar Lol‐Be 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEpidemiological studies have suggested that the daily intake of flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of the addition of dietary flavonoids (DF) to antihypertensive treatment (AHT), based on telmisartan (Tms) or captopril (Cpr), on blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, leptin, lipid profile and inflammation in hypertensive young patients. An open‐label, randomized, controlled trial was performed among 79 patients aged 20–55 years with grade I or grade II systemic arterial hypertension. The subjects were assigned to one of four groups for AHT plus DF during 6 months: Cpr (n = 14), Cpr + DF (n = 19), Tms (n = 25) and Tms + DF (n = 21). DF consisted of dark chocolate, dehydrated red apple and green tea in an infusion to obtain a daily dose of 425.8 ± 13.9 mg epicatechin equivalents. The BP and anthropometric parameters were measured every 2 weeks. Lipid profile, leptin and hsCRP were determined by standard methods. The combination AHT‐DF produced an additional and significant reduction in (i) SBP/DBP of −5/−4 mmHg, being −7/−5 for Cpr + DF and −4/−3 for Tms + DF; (ii) triglyceride levels (−30.6%) versus AHT alone (−9.6%); and (iii) leptin: Cpr + DF versus Tms + DF (p < 0.005). Finally, C‐reactive protein plasma levels were reduced significantly in all groups independently of the applied treatment. We conclude that the addition of flavonoids to pharmacological antihypertensive therapy shows additional benefits on BP, lipid profile, leptin, obesity and inflammation.
Reduced circulating levels of TWEAK are associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Simón‐Muela Inmaculada , Llauradó Gemma , Chacón Matilde Rodriguez , Olona Montserrat , Näf Silvia , Maymó‐Masip Elsa , Gil Pilar , de la Flor Miriam , Gonzalez Clemente Jose Miguel , Vendrell Joan , Megía Ana 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the inflammatory axis mediated by tumour necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its scavenger receptor CD163 during pregnancy and their influence on insulin sensitivity in normal pregnancy and in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Materials and methodsOne hundred and thirty seven women with one singleton pregnancy, 71 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 66 with GDM were studied. Glucose metabolism was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test. Serum concentrations of soluble TWEAK (sTWEAK) and CD163 (sCD163) and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR index) were determined in maternal blood drawn at recruitment, in the early third trimester. Offspring weight and height were assessed at birth.ResultsWomen with GDM had lower circulating sTWEAK concentrations than control NGT group (237·8 (192·1–301·0) pg/mL vs. 277·2 (206·4–355·7) pg/mL; P = 0·013). sTWEAK was negatively associated with the presence of GDM (r = −0·212; P = 0·013), HOMA‐IR index (r = −0·197; P = 0·021) and ponderal index of the newborn (r = −0·196; P = 0·025), but positively with HDL cholesterol (r = 0·283; P = 0·001). In multiple regression analysis, sTWEAK concentration emerged as one of the main predictors of insulin resistance, along with BMI, triglycerides and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol (R2 = 0·486; P < 0·001). No relationship was found between HOMA‐IR index and sCD163 or sCD163/sTWEAK ratio.ConclusionssTWEAK concentrations are lower in patients with GDM compared with healthy pregnant women, and low concentrations of sTWEAK are associated with insulin resistance. These findings suggest that insulin resistance during pregnancy is closely linked to inflammatory imbalance and sTWEAK may represent a new candidate associated with GDM.
Identification of a novel large deletion in a patient with severe factor V deficiency using an in‐house F5 MLPA assay
Authors: Nuzzo F. , Paraboschi E. M. , Straniero L. , Pavlova A. , Duga S. , Castoldi E. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryFactor V (FV) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the F5 gene. FV‐deficient patients in whom no mutation or only one mutation is found may harbour large gene rearrangements, which are not detected by conventional mutation screening strategies. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay for the detection of large deletions and duplications in the F5 gene. Twenty‐two MLPA probes targeting 19 of the 25 exons and the upstream and downstream regions of the F5 gene were designed and tested in 10 normal controls, a patient with a known heterozygous deletion of F5 exons 1–7 (positive control) and 14 genetically unexplained FV‐deficient patients. MLPA results were confirmed by digital PCR on a QuantStudio™ 3D Digital PCR System. The F5‐specific probes yielded a reproducible peak profile in normal controls, correctly detected the known deletion in the positive control and suggested the presence of a novel deletion of exons 9–10 in a patient with undetectable FV levels and only one identified mutation. Follow‐up by chip‐based digital PCR, long‐range PCR and direct sequencing confirmed that this patient carried a heterozygous F5 deletion of 1823 bp extending from intron 8 to intron 10. Bioinformatics sequence analysis pinpointed repetitive elements that might have originated the deletion. In conclusion, we have developed and validated an MLPA assay for the detection of gross F5 gene rearrangements. This assay may represent a valuable tool for the molecular diagnosis of FV deficiency.
Development of a predictive model describing the growth of Yersinia enterocolitica in Camembert‐type cheese
Authors: Kowalik Jaroslaw , Lobacz Adriana 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBehaviour of Yersinia enterocolitica in mould‐ripened Camembert‐type cheese during storage at temperature range 3–15 °C was evaluated and mathematically described. The Baranyi and Gompertz models were adjusted to the results of the study to calculate the growth rate (GR) and lag time (LT) for Y. enterocolitica at each temperature. Goodness of fit was assessed by calculating the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and mean square error (MSE). Square root models were constructed which described the relations between GR, LT and applied storage temperature. The secondary models were mathematically validated based on the results generated by ComBase Predictor. Moreover, generated models were validated using external, independent data from ComBase database. Based on this, it was found that the square root models of Ratkowsky constructed on GR that were determined based on the Baranyi and Roberts model most accurately described the behaviour of Y. enterocolitica in Camembert‐type cheese during storage under refrigerated conditions.
Long‐Term Trends of Specific Conductance in Waters Discharged by Coal‐Mine Valley Fills in Central Appalachia, USA
Authors: Evans Daniel M. , Zipper Carl E. , Donovan Patricia F. , Daniels W. Lee 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAnthropogenic salinization of freshwaters is a global concern. Coal surface mining causes release of dissolved sulfate, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and other ions to surface waters in central Appalachia, USA, through practices that include mine rock disposal in valley fills (VFs). This region's surface waters naturally have low salinity, with specific conductance (SC, a salinity indicator) generally <200 μS/cm, and aquatic impacts have been found when SC exceeds the 300 to 500 μS/cm range. We analyzed SC in waters emerging from 137 VFs over periods of 1 to 23 years. Mean SCs for these VFs ranged from 227 to 2,866 μS/cm, generally rose during and immediately following construction, but often declined during latter portions of longer monitoring records. Seventy‐four of 103 VFs with postconstruction data had SC trends that fit negative quadratic forms. Of the 16 revegetated VFs with at least five years of SC data past the quadratic maximum, the mean quadratic maximum was 1,464 (±696) μS/cm and the model projected time required to approach natural conditions (by declining to <500 μS/cm) was 19.6 (±6.6) years after VF construction initiation, indicating long‐lasting but not permanent aquatic impacts due to elevated (>500 μS/cm) SC.
Effects of Daily Physical Education on Physical Fitness and Weight Status in Middle School Adolescents
Authors: Erfle Stephen E. , Gamble Abigail 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIn 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Health developed the Active Schools Program (ASP) which required 30 minutes of daily physical education (PE) in middle schools to reduce childhood obesity. This investigation evaluated the ASP effects on physical fitness and weight status in middle school adolescents throughout 1 academic year.METHODSA quasi‐experimental design was used to recruit middle schools into an intervention group (N = 30) or control group (N = 9).RESULTSPhysical fitness outcomes had larger intervention effects than weight status outcomes. These effects were most profound among at‐risk students. Multiple linear regression analysis provided a best‐guess effect of daily PE on body mass index (BMI) percentile of −1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−1.9, −0.5) for at‐risk females and −0.8, 95% CI (−1.5, −0.1) for at‐risk males. Much of this benefit is attributable to the differential increase in physical fitness achieved by students with the benefit of having daily PE.CONCLUSIONSThirty minutes of daily PE can be considered a scientific approach to ameliorate health outcomes in at‐risk middle school adolescents, particularly among females. Improvements on BMI percentile among at‐risk youth are presaged by greater improvements in physical fitness. This investigation supports a school‐based approach aimed to improve behavioral risk factors as a means to reduce childhood obesity.
Prevalence of and Attitudes About Concussion in Irish Schools' Rugby Union Players
Authors: Delahunty Sinéad E. , Delahunt Eamonn , Condon Brian , Toomey David , Blake Catherine 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDYouth rugby players represent 45.2% (N = 69,472) of the Irish rugby union playing population. The risk and consequences of concussion injury are of particular concern in these young athletes, but limited epidemiological data exists. This study investigated annual and lifetime prevalence of concussion in an Irish schoolboy rugby union cohort.METHODSAn anonymous cross‐sectional survey of youth rugby players was conducted. Diagnosed concussion was defined as an incident where diagnosis was confirmed by a health professional or coach. Demographics, prevalence, and attitudes to concussion were collated. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi‐square test, t‐tests, Mann‐Whitney tests, and logistic regression.RESULTSOverall, 304 youth (aged 12‐18 years) responded. Lifetime prevalence of diagnosed concussion was 19.4%, with annual (2010) prevalence 6.6%. Approximately 25.4% of players with diagnosed concussions returned to play without medical advice. Internal motivation (11.8%) was the predominant factor in feeling pressure to play while concussed. A desire for further concussion education was expressed by 89.5% of participants.CONCLUSIONSReform is required to prevent and manage concussion injuries among youth players in the rugby union, including mandatory education specific to concussion and implementation of return‐to‐play protocols. These findings have relevance for governing bodies, coaches, clinicians, schools, parents, and rugby union players.
Tuberculin skin test positivity without tuberculosis contact: A major challenge in childhood
Authors: Gedik Ahmet Hakan , Cakir Erkan , Donmez Tugrul , Ari Engin , Koksalan Orhan Kaya 
Published: December 2014

AimWorldwide, tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) commonly give false positive results for those who had been given the Bacillus‐Calmette‐Guerin vaccine such as is routinely administered in Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the patients referred to us who had positive TSTs despite lack of tuberculosis (TB) disease contacts.MethodsBetween September 2011 and September 2012, 183 patients were prospectively evaluated for differential diagnosis of TST positivity despite lack of TB disease contact. They were then followed up by us to determine an accurate diagnosis.ResultsAmong our patients' most common symptoms indicating a need for TST were chronic cough, productive cough or sputum expectoration, and recurrent or persistent wheezing. Chest x‐rays were taken of all patients, and the findings were noted. Interferon gamma release assays were performed on 75% of the patients, of which 96% were negative for TB. The most common final diagnoses were asthma (44%), allergic rhinitis (13%), bronchopneumonia (11%) and reactive lymphadenitis (6.5%). Further evaluations for TB were required of 36 patients, and TB disease was established in 12 of them (6.5%).ConclusionsIn patients who had had no known TB contact, the most common symptom indicating need for TST was chronic cough; the most common diagnoses were asthma and allergic rhinitis. Cavitary lesions, haemoptysis, persistent infiltration, pleural effusion and thoracic lymphadenopathy despite antibiotherapy should alert physicians to the possibility of TB.
Plasma parameters related to energy and lipid metabolism in periparturientModenese andItalianFriesian cows
Authors: Petrera F. , Napolitano F. , Dal Prà A. , Abeni F. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe aim of this work was to compare energy and lipid metabolism during the peripartum period between Modenese (MO) and Italian Friesian (IF) cows. The study was carried out on 33 pluriparous pregnant cows, 19IFand 14MO, reared together in the same herd and kept under equal conditions of management and nutrition. Blood was sampled from jugular vein starting 4 week before expected calving date until 4 week post‐calving, once weekly. Plasma was analysed for glucose,NEFA,BHBA, triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed weekly after blood sampling. Data from antepartum (a.p.) and post‐partum (p.p.) periods were separately analysed as repeated measures by a linear mixed models with the effect of breed, time and their interaction as main factors and random cow within breed. The energy status differed between the two breeds during the peripartum period. We observed higherBCSa.p. and p.p. and lowerBCSvariations p.p. inMOcompared toIFgroup. Modenese cows showed lower glucose and cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), but higherNEFAvalues,NEFAto cholesterol andNEFAto albumin ratios (p < 0.001) during a.p.; on the contrary,IFcows had higher (p < 0.05) cholesterol,NEFA,BHBAlevels andNEFAto albumin ratio thanMOones during p.p. The differences observed between the two breeds suggest howMOcows are subjected to lipid mobilization during late gestation; on the contrary,IFcows are predisposed to mobilize their lipid reserves at the beginning of lactation to support high production. The results indicate a diverse ability to cope with metabolic stress and suggest the hypothesis that the differences in concentrations of plasma parameters and their variation amplitude around the calving period might depend on the different genetic merit for milk production between the two breeds.
Identification of CROWN ROOTLESS1‐regulated genes in rice reveals specific and conserved elements of postembryonic root formation
Authors: Coudert Yoan , Le Van Anh Thi , Adam Hélène , Bès Martine , Vignols Florence , Jouannic Stefan , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Gantet Pascal 
Published: December 2014

Summary

In monocotyledons, the root system is mostly composed of postembryonic shoot‐borne roots called crown roots. In rice (Oryza sativa), auxin promotes crown root initiation via the LOB‐domain transcription factor (LBD) transcription factor CROWN ROOTLESS1 (CRL1); however, the gene regulatory network downstream of CRL1 remains largely unknown.

We tested CRL1 transcriptional activity in yeast and in planta, identified CRL1‐regulated genes using an inducible gene expression system and a transcriptome analysis, and used in situ hybridization to demonstrate coexpression of a sample of CRL1‐regulated genes with CRL1 in crown root primordia.

We show that CRL1 positively regulates 277 genes, including key genes involved in meristem patterning (such as QUIESCENT‐CENTER SPECIFIC HOMEOBOX; QHB), cell proliferation and hormone homeostasis. Many genes are homologous to Arabidopsis genes involved in lateral root formation, but about a quarter are rice‐specific.

Our study reveals that several genes acting downstream of LBD transcription factors controlling postembryonic root formation are conserved between monocots and dicots. It also provides evidence that specific genes are involved in the formation of shoot‐derived roots in rice.
The Environmental Consequences of Rural and Urban Population Change: An Exploratory Spatial Panel Study of Forest Cover in the SouthernUnitedStates, 2001–2006
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Ergas Christina , Greiner Patrick Trent 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis exploratory study examines the effects of rural and urban population change on forest cover at the local level across the southernUnitedStates. Using county‐level data from theNationalLandCoverDatabase and otherU.S. government sources, we regressed the total area of forest cover on rural and urban population size in spatial panel models with two‐way fixed effects. When we controlled for several other factors, including the number of forestry operations at the county level, regression results indicate that urban change had no effect, but rural population size was positively related to total forest area, and this effect was most pronounced in and aroundGeorgia. Thus, in areas of the southernUnitedStates, rural growth was associated with afforestation, not deforestation. We speculate on how this unusual finding contributes to the debate between ecological modernization and urban political economy implicated in previous cross‐national research.
New Methods and Technologies for Measuring Uremic Toxins and Quantifying Dialysis Adequacy
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Boelaert Jente , Glorieux Griet , Eloot Sunny 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis publication reviews the currently available methods to identify uremic retention solutes, to determine their biological relevance and to quantify their removal. The analytical methods for the detection of uremic solutes have improved continuously, allowing the identification of several previously unknown solutes. Progress has been accelerated by the development of comprehensive strategies such as genomics, proteomics and the latest “omics” area, metabolomics. Those methodologies will be further refined in future. Once the concentration of solutes of interest is known based on targeted analysis, their biological relevance can be studied by means of in vitro, ex vivo, or animal models, provided those are representative for the key complications of the uremic syndrome. For this to come to pass, rigid protocols should be applied, e.g., aiming at free solute concentrations conform those found in uremia. Subsequently, the decrease in concentration of relevant solutes should be pursued by nondialysis (e.g., by influencing nutritional intake or intestinal generation, using sorbents, modifying metabolism, or preserving renal function) and dialysis methods. Optimal dialysis strategies can be sought by studying solute kinetics during dialysis. Clinical studies are necessary to assess the correct impact of those optimized strategies on outcomes. Although longitudinal studies of solute concentration and surrogate outcome studies are first steps in suggesting the usefulness of a given approach, ultimately hard outcome randomized controlled trials are needed to endorse evidence‐based therapeutic choices. The nonspecificity of dialysis removal is however a handicap limiting the chances to provide proof of concept that a given solute or group of solutes has definite biological impact.
Soil organic matter in Northern Ethiopia, current level and predicted trend: a study case of two villages in Tigray
Authors: Corral‐Nuñez G. , Opazo‐Salazar D. , GebreSamuel G. , Tittonell P. , Gebretsadik A. , Gebremeskel Y. , Tesfay G. , van Beek C. L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSoil degradation resulting from permanent and high pressure on natural resources is a threat for the present and future of agricultural production in Ethiopia. Mono‐cropping, cultivation on steep slopes, use of cattle manure and crop residues as an energy source for cooking are common practices that have led to declining soil organic matter (SOM) contents. The objective of this research was to evaluate the current status of SOM in farmlands and exclosures (areas protected from grazing to allow their natural restoration) in Northern Ethiopia and to explore the long‐term effects of current agricultural practices and an improved scenario on SOM. At present, the SOM content of farmland soils is small, ranging from 2.1% to 2.9%, while exclosures showed a significant recovery after 20 yr of protection, with SOM contents ranging from 2.6% to 5.6%. However, the level of SOM in farmland soils is envisaged to decline given current agricultural practices, that is removal of crop residues and use of manure as an energy source for cooking. We found that applying manure alone appeared to be insufficient to revert this trend, due to limited availability and its alternative uses. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach including improved manure and compost management needs to be supplemented with energy saving techniques, as fuel use is currently the largest competing claim for organic matter in the area.
Riboflavin and ultraviolet light for pathogen reduction of murine cytomegalovirus in blood products
Authors: Keil Shawn D. , Saakadze Natia , Bowen Richard , Newman James L. , Karatela Sulaiman , Gordy Paul , Marschner Susanne , Roback John , Hillyer Christopher D. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundTwo studies were performed to test the effectiveness of riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light treatment (Mirasol PRT, Terumo BCT) against murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). The first study utilized immune‐compromised mice to measure the reduction of cell‐free MCMV. A second study used a murine model to evaluate the ability of Mirasol PRT to prevent transfusion‐transmitted (TT)‐MCMV infection.Study Design and MethodsHuman plasma was inoculated with MCMV and then treated with Mirasol PRT. The viral titer was measured using an infectious dose 50% assay in nude mice. Mice were euthanized on Day 10 posttransfusion, and their spleens were tested for the presence of MCMV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mirasol PRT was also evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing TT‐MCMV in platelets (PLTs) stored in PLT additive solution. PLTs were inoculated with either cell‐associated MCMV or cell‐free MCMV and then treated with Mirasol PRT. Mice were transfused with treated or untreated product and were euthanized 14 days posttransfusion. Blood and spleens were assayed for MCMV DNA by real‐time‐PCR.ResultsUsing nude mice to titer MCMV, a modest 2.1‐log reduction was observed in plasma products after Mirasol PRT treatment. TT‐MCMV was not observed in the mouse transfusion model when either cell‐free or cell‐associated MCMV was treated with Mirasol PRT; MCMV transmission was uniformly observed in mice transfused with untreated PLTs.ConclusionsThese results suggest that using riboflavin and UV light treatment may be able to reduce the occurrence of transmission of human CMV from infectious PLTs and plasma units.