bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a river flow forecast model by coupling a snow accumulation/melt model with a distributed run‐off model
Authors: Qiu C. , Hattori Y. , Kaji M. , Onodera M. , Hitokoto M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTo consider the contribution of snowmelt in flood forecast, this paper presents an integrated model, which combines a rigorous snow model with a distributed run‐off model, based on unstructured triangular meshes. Using precipitation, air temperature and wind speed as input data, the integrated model can continuously estimate temporal‐spatial variation of both snow depth and amount of snowmelt and subsequently forecast river flow caused by snowmelt. The result of a long‐term simulation of past floods showed a good match with observations. It is evinced that consideration of snowmelt in a flood forecast can help avoid incorrect prediction. This includes overestimation in the snow accumulation season and/or underestimation in the snowmelt season caused by using precipitation directly as the input data of the run‐off model. A real‐time flood forecasting system has been established for the Hii River basin, Japan, by using the model. This system now operates uninterruptedly to make a forecast 6 h ahead, with an interval of 10 min.
Uric Acid Measurement Improves Prediction of Cardiovascular Mortality in Later Life
Authors: Dutta Ambarish , Henley William , Pilling Luke C. , Wallace Robert B. , Melzer David 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo estimate the association between uric acid and cardiovascular mortality in older adults, independent of traditional risk factors, and to estimate the risk prediction gain by adding uric acid measurements to the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score (FCRS).DesignLongitudinal observational study of two population‐based cohorts.SettingThe Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, Iowa (Iowa‐EPESE) and the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES III).ParticipantsOne thousand twenty‐eight Iowa‐EPESE participants and 1,316 NHANES III participants. Selected participants were aged 70 and older without overt cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, or diuretic use who lived for 3 years or longer after baseline.MeasurementsOutcome was age at cardiovascular death during follow‐up (12–20 years). Uric acid and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity, serum cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at baseline.ResultsHigh serum uric acid (>7.0 mg/dL) was associated with male sex, obesity, lipid levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular death with high uric acid versus normal were 1.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.69) in Iowa‐EPESE and 1.43 (95% CI = 1.04–1.99) in NHANES III; pooled HR was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.16–1.61). The net reclassification improvement achieved by adding uric acid measurement to the FCRS was 9% to 20%.ConclusionIn individuals aged 70 and older without overt CVD, renal dysfunction, or diuretic use, serum uric acid greater than 7.0 mg/dL was associated with greater CVD mortality independent of classic CVD risk factors. Adding uric acid measurement to the FCRS would improve prediction in older adults.
A Systematic Review of the Probability of Repeated Admission Score in Community‐Dwelling Adults
Authors: Wallace Emma , Hinchey Tim , Dimitrov Borislav D. , Bennett Kathleen , Fahey Tom , Smith Susan M. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review of the Probability of Repeated Admission (Pra) score in community‐dwelling adults to assess its performance in a range of validation studies in the community setting.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.SettingPrimary and community care.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older people.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was hospital admission; secondary outcomes were mortality, hospital days, functional decline, other health service use, and costs.ResultsNine validation studies describing 11 cohorts of individuals aged 65 and older were identified. A meta‐analysis of the Pra score in five cohorts (8,843 individuals) with comparable and available data revealed good discrimination performance (summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 69.7% (standard error 2.8%)). Pooled specificity was high (96%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=95.8–96.7%), indicating that a Pra score of 0.5 or greater effectively rules in the likelihood of admission, but pooled sensitivity was low (12%, 95% CI=10.5–13.6%). Calibration performance was good, with an overall risk ratio of 1.12 (95% CI=0.89–1.42), indicating that the Pra score reliably predicted hospital admissions.ConclusionThe Pra score performs well in predicting hospital admission in community‐dwelling adults categorized as high risk according to the score. This tool has clinical and healthcare policy utility in terms of targeting elderly people at highest risk of hospital admission, but the low pooled sensitivity of the score indicates that it is not a reliable way of excluding hospital admission in those stratified as low risk.
Kindergarteners' Entrée Intake Increases When Served a Larger Entrée Portion in School Lunch: A Quasi‐Experiment
Authors: Ramsay Samantha , Safaii SeAnne , Croschere Tom , Branen Laurel J. , Wiest Michelle 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe influence of portion size on children's intake and self‐regulation of food has gained attention; however, few studies have examined portion sizes in school lunch. This study investigated kindergarteners' intake when they were given different entrée portion sizes from the lunch menu.METHODSPlate waste was used as a proxy to measure intake. A standardized lunch of chicken nuggets, rice, green beans, applesauce, and milk was served every Tuesday for 5 consecutive weeks at a Kinder Center. All menu items and the self‐selection of 2, 3, or 4 nuggets were served the first week as a pilot. In the second and fourth weeks, trained servers preportioned kindergarteners' plates with 4 nuggets. In the third and fifth weeks, kindergarteners verbally self‐selected 2, 3, or 4 chicken nuggets. A Mann‐Whitney test was used to determine a significant difference in intake between the 2 days kindergarteners were allowed to select the portion size and the 2 days they were preportioned.RESULTSA significant difference (p < .009) in intake was found between the self‐selection of entrée portion size and the preportioned entrée regardless of sex or whether kindergarteners attended the am or pm session. No significant difference was found in milk, fruit, vegetable, or rice intake between choice and nonchoice lunches. In this study, kindergarteners ate more chicken nuggets when they were offered a larger portion size.CONCLUSIONSFurther investigation is needed on the impact of letting kindergarteners self‐select portion sizes, and the potential negative outcomes of larger portion sizes on children's caloric consumption in elementary schools.
Exploring Effective Strategies for Increasing the Amount of Moderate‐to‐Vigorous Physical Activity Children Accumulate During Recess: A Quasi‐Experimental Intervention Study
Authors: Efrat Merav W. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDLess than half of elementary children meet the physical activity recommendations of 30 to 60 minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on a daily basis. Recess provides the single biggest opportunity for children to accumulate MVPA. This study explored whether a teacher's social prompting to be active during recess alone and modeling of active recess‐time games alone may increase the amount of MVPA children accumulate during recess.METHODSThree demographically matched schools were randomly assigned to receive a social prompting intervention, modeling intervention, or to serve as a comparison group. Pre‐ and postintervention physical activity data was collected utilizing accelerometers.RESULTSCompared with preintervention, MVPA during recess increased significantly in the social prompting group and decreased significantly in the modeling group. There were no significant changes in the comparison group. There was a significant interaction between time and intervention: pre‐ to postintervention change between interventions was significant for modeling versus comparison and modeling versus social prompting, but not for social prompting versus comparison.CONCLUSIONSModeling was not an effective strategy for increasing MVPA during recess. Social prompting may be an effective strategy for increasing MVPA during recess. However, larger studies are needed to determine whether social prompting increases MVPA during recess. In light of evidence suggesting that MVPA is linked to lower obesity rates, and a substantial number of health and academic benefits, social prompting may be a useful strategy to further explore to address the childhood obesity epidemic, and improve students' health and academic outcomes.
Evaluation of three paediatric weight estimation methods in Singapore
Authors: Loo Pei Ying , Chong Shu‐Ling , Lek Ngee , Bautista Dianne , Ng Kee Chong 
Published: March 2013

AimRapid paediatric weight estimation methods in the emergency setting have not been evaluated for South East Asian children. This study aims to assess the accuracy and precision of three such methods in Singapore children: Broselow‐Luten (BL) tape, Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) (estimated weight (kg) = 2 (age + 4)) and Luscombe (estimated weight (kg) = 3 (age) + 7) formulae.MethodsWe recruited 875 patients aged 1–10 years in a Paediatric Emergency Department in Singapore over a 2‐month period. For each patient, true weight and height were determined. True height was cross‐referenced to the BL tape markings and used to derive estimated weight (virtual BL tape method), while patient's round‐down age (in years) was used to derive estimated weights using APLS and Luscombe formulae, respectively. The percentage difference between the true and estimated weights was calculated. For each method, the bias and extent of agreement were quantified using Bland–Altman method (mean percentage difference (MPD) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA)). The proportion of weight estimates within 10% of true weight (p10) was determined.ResultsThe BL tape method marginally underestimated weights (MPD +0.6%; 95% LOA −26.8% to +28.1%; p10 58.9%). The APLS formula underestimated weights (MPD +7.6%; 95% LOA −26.5% to +41.7%; p10 45.7%). The Luscombe formula overestimated weights (MPD −7.4%; 95% LOA −51.0% to +36.2%; p10 37.7%).ConclusionsOf the three methods we evaluated, the BL tape method provided the most accurate and precise weight estimation for Singapore children. The APLS and Luscombe formulae underestimated and overestimated the children's weights, respectively, and were considerably less precise.
Diagnosing gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease or lactose intolerance in babies who cry alot in the first few months overlooks feeding problems
Authors: Douglas Pamela Sylvia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper explores two areas in which the translation of research into practice may be improved in the management of cry‐fuss behaviours in the first few months of life. Firstly, babies who cry excessively are often prescribed proton pump inhibitors, despite evidence that gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is very rarely a cause. The inaccuracy of commonly used explanatory mechanisms, the side‐effects of acid‐suppressive medications, and the failure to identify treatable problems, including feeding difficulty when the diagnosis of ‘reflux’ is applied, are discussed. Secondly, crying breastfed babies are still prescribed lactase or lactose‐free formula, despite evidence that the problem of functional lactose overload is one of breastfeeding management. The mechanisms and management of functional lactose overload are discussed. These two problems of research translation need to be addressed because failure to identify and manage other causes of cry‐fuss problems, including feeding difficulty, may have adverse outcomes for a small but significant minority of families.
Fusarium cerealis Associated with Barley Seeds in Argentina
Authors: Castañares Eliana , Dinolfo María Inés , Moreno María Virginia , Berón Corina , Stenglein Sebastián Alberto 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFusarium head blight is a fungal disease caused by a complex of Fusarium species on cereals, such as barley and wheat. It has economic impacts due to yield reductions and mycotoxin contamination. As barley production has increased considerably in the last 5 years in Argentina, a survey was conducted for identifying Fusarium species associated with barley grains. Fusarium cerealis was isolated and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. The potential production of nivalenol and zearalenone was assessed using specific PCR assays. Koch′s postulates were carried out to confirm the pathogenicity of the fungus.
Melatonin protects against ischemic heart failure in rats
Authors: Şehirli Ahmet Özer , Koyun Derya , Tetik Şermin , Özsavcı Derya , Yiğiner Ömer , Çetinel Şule , Tok Olgu Enis , Kaya Zehra , Akkiprik Mustafa , Kılıç Ertugrul , Şener Göksel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIschemic injury, which occurs as a result of sympathetic hyperactivity, plays an important role in heart failure. Melatonin is thought to have antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and vasodilatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether melatonin protects against ischemic heart failure (HF). In Wistar albino rats, HF was induced by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation and rats were treated with either vehicle or melatonin (10 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, echocardiographic measurements were recorded and the rats were decapitated to obtain plasma and cardiac tissue samples. Lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lysosomal enzymes (β‐D‐glucuronidase, β‐galactosidase, β‐D‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and cathepsin‐D) were studied in plasma samples, while malondialdehyde and glutathione levels and Na+, K+‐ATPase, caspase‐3 and myeloperoxidase activities were determined in the cardiac samples. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) and caveolin‐3 levels in cardiac tissues were evaluated using Western blot analyses. Furthermore, caveolin‐3 levels were also determined by histological analyses. In the vehicle‐treated HF group, cardiotoxicity resulted in decreased cardiac Na+, K+‐ATPase and SERCA activities, GSH contents and caveolin‐3 levels, while plasma LDH, CK, and lysosomal enzyme activities and cardiac MDA and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were found to be increased. On the other hand, melatonin treatment reversed all the functional and biochemical changes. The present results demonstrate that Mel ameliorates ischemic heart failure in rats. These observations highlight that melatonin is a promising supplement for improving defense mechanisms in the heart against oxidative stress caused by heart failure.
Genetic variations in host IL28B links to the detection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells–associated hepatitis C virus RNA in chronically infected patients
Authors: Angulo J. , Pino K. , Pavez C. , Biel F. , Labbé P. , Miquel J. F. , Soza A. , López‐Lastra M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly hepatotropic; however, several reports document the presence of genomic viral RNA in extrahepatic sites including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this study, the presence of HCV RNA was initially evaluated in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 53 HCV‐infected patients who were treated per protocol. PBMC‐associated HCV RNA was detectable in 79% of patients. Early virological response to combined pegylated interferon‐α (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with undetectable levels of PBMCs‐associated HCV RNA was 100%, while it was 60% (P = 0.003) in those who had detectable levels of PBMC‐associated HCV RNA. A sustained virological response was observed in 35% of patients with detectable PBMC‐associated HCV RNA, but was 70% in patients with undetectable levels of PBMC‐associated HCV RNA (P = 0.07). In a multivariate analysis incorporating parameters such as HCV genotype, viral load, presence of cirrhosis and absence of PBMC‐associated HCV RNA, a significant relationship was observed between the detection of PBMC‐associated HCV RNA and the sustained virological response (OR 19.4, 95% CI: 2.1–486.2, P = 0.0061). The association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL28B, known predictor of antiviral therapy outcome, and the occurrence of HCV RNA in PBMC in 84 chronically infected patients was then evaluated. Results suggest that the presence of a G allele in rs8099917, known to associate to a poor response to PegIFN/RBV therapy, also predicts an increased association of HCV RNA with PBMC (OR: 3.564; 95% CI: 1.114–11.40, P = 0.0437).
Hepatic steatosis estimated microscopically versus digital image analysis
Authors: Hall Andrew R. , Dhillon Amar P. , Green Anna C. , Ferrell Linda , Crawford James M. , Alves Venancio , Balabaud Charles , Bhathal Prithi , Bioulac‐Sage Paulette , Guido Maria , Hytiroglou Prodromos , Nakanuma Yasuni , Paradis Valerie , Quaglia Alberto , Snover Dale , Theise Neil , Thung Swan , Tsui Wilson , van Leeuwen Dirk J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsEvaluate in liver biopsies: (i) interobserver agreement of estimates of fat proportionate area (eFPA) and steatosis grading, (ii) the relationship between steatosis grades and measured fat proportionate area (mFPA, digital image analysis), (iii) the accuracy of eFPA, (iv) to present images to aid standardization and accuracy of eFPA.MethodsTwenty‐one liver biopsies were selected from the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) histopathology archive to represent the full range of histopathological steatosis severity. As many non‐overlapping fields of parenchyma as possible were photographed at ×20 objective magnification from the biopsies (n = 651). A total of 15 sample images were selected to represent the range of steatosis seen.Twelve hepatopathologists from 11 sites worldwide independently evaluated the sample images for steatosis grade [normal (none)/mild/moderate/severe], and eFPA (% area of liver parenchyma occupied by fat).ResultsThe hepatopathologists had good linear correlation between eFPA and mFPA for sample images (r = 0.924, P < .001) and excellent concordance (kappa = 0.91, P < 0.001). Interobserver concordance of steatosis grade showed ‘substantial agreement’ (kappa = 0.64).There was significant difference between eFPA and mFPA in the sample images for mild, moderate and severe steatosis (P = 0.024, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 respectively): the observers consistently over‐estimated the eFPA.ConclusionHepatopathologists showed ‘excellent’ interobserver agreement in eFPA and ‘substantial’ agreement in assigning steatosis grade (precision was high). However, compared with mFPA, eFPA was inaccurate. eFPA systematically exceeds mFPA; generally the overestimation increases with severity of steatosis. Considering that non‐invasive technologies for estimating liver fat utilize histopathology as reference, such assessments would benefit from quantitative validation of visually estimated microscopic liver fat percentages.
Gliotoxin‐induced changes in rat liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Nejak‐Bowen Kari N. , Orr Anne V. , Bowen Jr William C. , Michalopoulos George K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundHepatic non‐parenchymal cells (NPCs), encompassing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), macrophages and endothelial cells, synthesize new hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) during liver regeneration (LR), and also play an important function in matrix production at the end of regeneration.AimsThe aim of this study was to determine whether ablating NPCs either during hepatocyte proliferation or during matrix resynthesis will have any effect on LR.MethodsRats were injected with either gliotoxin (which induces NPC apoptosis) or vehicle control at various stages during partial hepatectomy (PH). NPCs and hepatocytes were also treated in vitro with gliotoxin.ResultsProliferating cells were abundant in control livers 24 h after PH, while in gliotoxin‐treated rats, mitosis was absent, apoptotic NPCs were apparent and HGF was decreased. In vitro studies demonstrated a > 50% decrease in cell viability in NPC cultures, while hepatocyte viability and proliferation were unaffected. Chronic elimination of NPCs over a period of 5 days after PH led to increased desmin‐positive HSCs and fewer alpha smooth muscle actin‐expressing HSCs. Finally, there was continued proliferation of hepatocytes and decreased collagen I and TGF‐β when HSCs, the matrix‐producing NPCs, were ablated during later stages of LR.ConclusionsAblation of NPCs at early time points after PH interferes with liver regeneration, while their ablation at late stages causes impairment in the termination of LR, demonstrating a time‐dependent regulatory role of NPCs in the regenerative process.
The origin of the serpentine endemic Minuartia laricifolia subsp. ophiolitica by vicariance and competitive exclusion
Authors: Moore Abigail J. , Merges Dominik , Kadereit Joachim W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSerpentine soils harbour a unique flora that is rich in endemics. We examined the evolution of serpentine endemism in Minuartia laricifolia, which has two ecologically distinct subspecies with disjunct distributions: subsp. laricifolia on siliceous rocks in the western Alps and eastern Pyrenees and subsp. ophiolitica on serpentine in the northern Apennines. We analysed AFLPs and chloroplast sequences from 30 populations to examine their relationships and how their current distributions and ecologies were influenced by Quaternary climatic changes. Minuartia laricifolia was divided into four groups with a BAPS cluster analysis of the AFLP data, one group consisted only of subsp. ophiolitica, while three groups were found within subsp. laricifolia: Maritime Alps, north‐western Alps and central Alps. The same groups were recovered in a neighbour‐joining tree, although subsp. ophiolitica was nested within the Maritime Alps group of subsp. laricifolia. Subspecies ophiolitica contained three different chloroplast haplotypes, which were also found in the Maritime Alps group of subsp. laricifolia. Given its high genetic diversity, subsp. ophiolitica appears to have arisen from subsp. laricifolia by vicariance instead of by long‐distance dispersal. Genetic and geographic evidence point to the Maritime Alps populations of subsp. laricifolia as the closest relatives of subsp. ophiolitica. We hypothesize that M. laricifolia was also able to grow on nonserpentine rocks in the northern Apennines during glacial periods when the vegetation was more open, but that only the serpentine‐adapted populations were able to persist until the present due to their competitive exclusion from more favourable habitats.