bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal variation of gross CO2 and CH4 diffusive emissions from Australian reservoirs and natural aquatic ecosystems, and estimation of net reservoir emissions
Authors: Bastien Julie , Demarty Maud 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) diffusive emissions were measured during two field surveys in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia, using the floating chamber method. Bubbling and degassing emissions in 2010 were estimated in Koombooloomba Dam reservoir using only inverted funnels and gas concentrations, respectively. A total of 14 reservoirs and 16 rivers and lakes were sampled from 2006 to 2010. Spatial variation was substantial within each water body, as well as between them. The main drivers of diffusive emission variation were physiographic region and climate, with a clear demarcation being observed between diffusive emissions from tropical Queensland and temperate Tasmania, and between the humid West Coast Range (Tasmania) and dry Central Plateau (Tasmania). Higher CO2 and CH4 diffusive emissions were observed during the dry season, when long water residence times would promote organic matter degradation. Estimated total gross emissions, including diffusive, bubbling and degassing emissions, for Koombooloomba Dam reservoir were about 1.5 × 106 t CO2eq km2 per year, or 24 × 106 t CO2eq per year. This corresponds to a plant emission factor of 3.18 kg CO2eq MWh−1. Using an estimate of terrestrial emissions derived from literature data for the Tully River catchment area, rough estimated net emissions from the catchment area are about 44 kt CO2eq per year, or 5.83 kg CO2eq MWh−1, which is in the lower range of the studied reservoirs.
Assessment of water quality, macroinvertebrate biomass and primary productivity of small water bodies for increased fish production in the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya
Authors: Ngodhe Steve O. , Raburu Phillip O. , Kasisi Geraldine M. , Orwa Patrick O. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the suitability of small water bodies (SWBs) in the Lake Victoria basin, between November 2010 and October 2011 for increased food production through aquaculture. Sampling sites were stratified in terms of water availability and altitude. Low‐altitude sites were represented by Yenga and Mauna dams in Siaya County, while high‐altitude sites were represented by Kesses and Kerita dams in Uasin Gishu County. Variations in selected water quality parameters, nutrients, primary productivity (PP) and macroinvertebrate biomass of SWBs were investigated. The measured biological and water quality parameters measured in this study included PP of phytoplankton, macroinvertebrate biomass of the most abundant taxon, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total nitrogen concentration and total phosphorus concentration. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard error of the mean were conducted for water quality parameters and nutrient levels. The general linear model was used to test for significant difference in nutrients and physicochemical parameters, both within and between the SWBs. anova was used to test for any significant differences in both PP and biomass within and between the dams. PP and macroinvertebrate biomass were sufficiently high to support fish production, while all water quality parameters and nutrients were within acceptable ranges to support the life of the mostly cultured species. Based on the results of this study, the stocking of phytophagous and benthophagous fish is recommended as a means of exploiting the food resources and increasing fish production in these areas.
Spatial distribution and habitat characterization of schistosomiasis host snails in lake and land habitats of western Kenya
Authors: Ofulla Ayub V. , Adoka Samson O. , Anyona Douglas N. , Abuom Paul O. , Karanja Diana , Vulule John M. , Okurut Tom , Matano Ally‐Said , Dida Gabriel O. , Jembe Tsuma , Gichuki John 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIntermediate host snails of schistosomiasis were surveyed in this study to determine their abundance and distribution in the lake and land aquatic habitats of Lake Victoria basin of Kenya. Several sites were sampled at eight locations, both in the lake and on the land. The habitat and/or vegetation type (i.e. open water, hippo grass, hyacinth, ambatch trees, other vegetation, stream, swamp, pond, dam) of the sampled aquatic sites within the locations were also differentiated, water physicochemical parameters were determined, and the abundance of different species or taxa of phytoplankton and zooplankton were enumerated and correlated with the abundance of schistosomiasis snails in the sites. The results indicated significantly more Biomphalaria sudanica snails than Bulinus africanus snails in different physical habitats on land (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05), as well as in different locations on land (Student's t‐test, P = 0.026). Regression analyses revealed that several physicochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen (R2 = −0.659; n = 8; P = 0.014), pH (R2 = 0.728; n = 8; P = 0.007) and turbulence (R2 = −0.616; n = 8; P = 0.02), were predictive of Biomphalaria spp. abundance, while pH (R2 = 0.610; n = 8; P = 0.02) and turbulence (R2 = −0.578; n = 8; P = 0.028) were predictive of Bulinus spp. abundance in different locations in the lake. Cyanobacteria (R2 = 0.638; n = 8; P = 0.02) and chlorophyceae (R2 = −0.50; n = 8; P = 0.05) were shown to be predictive of both Biomphalaria spp. and Bulinus spp. abundance in different locations in the lake. Zooplankton abundance varied significantly between different locations in the lake (One‐way anova, P < 0.001). Bosmina spp. were found to be predictive of both Biomphalaria spp. (R2 = −0.627; n = 8; P = 0.01) and Bulinus spp. (R2 = −0.50; n = 8; P = 0.05) in different locations in the lake. The results from this study will help inform policy regarding control measures for schistosomias and intermediate snail hosts in Lake Victoria waters, as well as in adjacent terrestrial aquatic habitats and even beyond.
Towards universal salt iodisation in India: achievements, challenges and future actions
Authors: Rah Jee H. , Anas Ansari M. , Chakrabarty Arijit , Sankar Rajan , Pandav Chandrakant S. , Aguayo Victor M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIndia is one of the first countries to introduce salt iodisation, but the national programme has experienced major setbacks. The purpose of this paper is to review the national efforts towards universal salt iodisation (USI) in India and highlight key challenges in programme implementation. A brief historical overview of the salt iodisation programme is provided and the current status of the household usage of iodised salt and population iodine status is described. The present status of the USI programme together with the challenges being faced towards achieving USI are classified in five categories, which represent the five guiding principles crucial to sustained USI programme success: ensuring political commitment, forming partnerships and coalition, ensuring availability of adequately iodised salt, strengthening the monitoring system and maintaining continuous advocacy, education and communication. A future agenda towards the achievement of USI is also proposed.
A focused ethnographic assessment of Middle Eastern mothers' infant feeding practices in Canada
Authors: Jessri Mahsa , Farmer Anna P. , Olson Karin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the barriers to following complementary feeding guidelines among Middle Eastern mothers and the cultural considerations of practitioners from an emic perspective. This is a two‐phase focused ethnographic assessment of infant feeding among 22 Middle Eastern mothers in Western Canada who had healthy infants aged <1 year. Data were collected through four focus groups conducted in Arabic/Farsi, and were further complemented by comprehensive survey data collected in the second phase of study. Mothers' main criterion for choosing infant foods was whether or not foods were Halal, while food allergens were not causes for concern. Vitamin D supplements were not fed to 18/22 of infants, and mashed dates (Halawi), rice pudding (Muhallabia/Ferni) and sugared water/tea were the first complementary foods commonly consumed. Through constant comparison of qualitative data, three layers of influence emerged, which described mothers' process of infant feeding: socio‐cultural, health care system and personal factors. Culture was an umbrella theme influencing all aspects of infant feeding decisions. Mothers cited health care professionals' lack of cultural considerations and lack of relevance and practicality of infant feeding guidelines as the main reasons for ignoring infant feeding recommendations. Early introduction of pre‐lacteal feeds and inappropriate types of foods fed to infants among immigrant/refugee Middle Eastern mothers in Canada is cause of concern. Involving trained language interpreters in health teams and educating health care staff on cultural competency may potentially increase maternal trust in the health care system and eventually lead to increased awareness of and adherence to best practices with infant feeding recommendations.
Establishment of micromethods for macronutrient contents analysis in breast milk
Authors: Choi Arum , Fusch Gerhard , Rochow Niels , Sheikh Natasha , Fusch Christoph 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCommercially available milk analysers were originally developed for use in the dairy industry, but they are now used to analyse macronutrient content of breast milk in clinical studies and routine care of the premature or very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Due to the different composition of cow and breast milk, these devices need to be validated against reference methods before they can be used in daily routine. However, current reference methods require a sample volume of 30–100 mL to analyse fat, protein and lactose. It is not feasible to obtain this volume of milk for research purposes, especially from VLBW infants as lactation may be delayed or impaired and the limited volume of breast milk must be provided to the infant. To support validation of milk analysers in both clinical and research settings, the aim of this study is to establish and validate micromethods for precise macronutrient analysis in small volume of breast milk and conduct a feasibility study of the micromethods as a post‐validation. Methods include a modified Mojonnier ether extraction (fat), elemental analysis (protein) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (lactose). We were able to downsize volumes required for analysis of fat, protein and lactose to 1 mL, 260 μL and 100 μL; corresponding coefficients of variation are 1.7, 1.8 and 2.3%, respectively. The presented methods allow for reliable and precise analyses of macronutrients in ≤1.5 mL of breast milk and will be used to validate milk analysers.
Iodine intake and status during pregnancy and lactation before and after government initiatives to improve iodine status, in Palmerston North, New Zealand: a pilot study
Authors: Brough Louise , Jin Ying , Shukri Nurul Husna , Wharemate Zirsha Roimata , Weber Janet L. , Coad Jane 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIodine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may adversely affect fetal and infant development. Two initiatives were introduced in New Zealand to prevent deficiency: (1) mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt; and (2) provision of a subsidised iodine supplement (150 μg) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. The aim of this study was to assess iodine intake and status among a self‐selecting sample of pregnant and lactating women in Palmerston North, both before and after the two initiatives. Pregnant and breastfeeding women were recruited before (n = 25 and 32; 2009) and after (n = 34 and 36; 2011) the initiatives. Iodine concentration was determined in 24‐h urine and breast milk samples using inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Use of supplements and salt, knowledge of iodine deficiency, and awareness of the initiatives were determined by questionnaire. Median urine iodine concentration (UIC) was higher in 2011 compared with 2009 for both pregnant (85 and 47 μg L−1) and breastfeeding (74 and 34 μg L−1) participants; median UIC were below the cut‐offs for adequate iodine status. However, in 2011, the estimated daily iodine intake during pregnancy was 217 μg day−1; 74% of women achieved the Estimated Average Requirement. Knowledge of the initiatives was low, only 28–56% were aware of the need for iodine supplements and only 15–22% were aware of the mandatory addition of iodised salt to bread. Despite initiatives, UIC of these women indicates iodine deficiency, however, dietary intakes appear adequate. Ongoing surveillance of supplement use and iodine status among pregnant and lactating women throughout New Zealand is needed to fully assess the efficacy of the initiatives. Alternative strategies may require evaluation to ensure all women have adequate iodine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The relationship of serum vitamin D with pre‐eclampsia in the Iranian women
Authors: Abedi Parvin , Mohaghegh Zainab , Afshary Poorandokht , Latifi Mahmood 
Published: June 2013

AbstractVitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for negative outcome in pregnancy, such as pre‐term labour, low birthweight, intrauterine growth retardation and gestational diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and pre‐eclampsia. This was a case–control study of 59 pre‐eclamptic women and 59 healthy pregnant women selected in two hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Women with term singleton pregnancy, nulliparous and of reproductive age were selected. Venous blood samples (2 mL) were taken and the level of 25‐dihydroxy vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) was measured. If the levels of 25‐OH‐D were less than 10 ng mL−1, between 10 ng mL−1 and 29 ng mL−1 and more than 30 ng mL−1, they were considered as indicating deficient, insufficient and normal 25‐OH‐D concentrations, respectively. The independent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square and logistic regression were used for analysing the data. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the pre‐eclampsia group [odds ratio (OR) = 24.04, confidence interval (CI) = 2.10–274.8, P = 0.01]. Older women (30–35 years) were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia compared with the control group (OR = 10.36, CI = 2.18–49.09, P = 0.003). The results showed that women with body mass index (BMI) <20 were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. The ages between 20 years and 30 years and normal BMI were not the risk factors for pre‐eclampsia. Vitamin D deficiency has a statistically significant relationship with pre‐eclampsia. It seems that the serum vitamin D levels are low in Iranian women because of their particular lifestyle and they may need more than 400 IU day−1 vitamin D supplement during pregnancy.
Quantitative Mapping of Hemodynamics in the Lung, Brain, and Dorsal Window Chamber‐Grown Tumors Using a Novel, Automated Algorithm
Authors: Fontanella Andrew N. , Schroeder Thies , Hochman Daryl W. , Chen Raymond E. , Hanna Gabi , Haglund Michael M. , Secomb Timothy W. , Palmer Gregory M. , Dewhirst Mark W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveHemodynamic properties of vascular beds are of great interest in a variety of clinical and laboratory settings. However, there presently exists no automated, accurate, technically simple method for generating blood velocity maps of complex microvessel networks.MethodsHere, we present a novel algorithm that addresses the problem of acquiring quantitative maps by applying pixel‐by‐pixel cross‐correlation to video data. Temporal signals at every spatial coordinate are compared with signals at neighboring points, generating a series of correlation maps from which speed and direction are calculated. User‐assisted definition of vessel geometries is not required, and sequential data are analyzed automatically, without user bias.ResultsVelocity measurements were validated against the dual‐slit method and against in vitro capillary flow with known velocities. The algorithm was tested in three different biological models in order to demonstrate its versatility.ConclusionsThe hemodynamic maps presented here demonstrate an accurate, quantitative method of analyzing dynamic vascular systems.
Life history and group composition of melon‐headed whales based on mass strandings in Japan
Authors: Amano Masao , Yamada Tadasu K. , Kuramochi Toshiaki , Hayano Azusa , Kazumi Arai , Sakai Takashi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe examined melon‐headed whales that mass‐stranded live in two events in Japan: (1) 171 animals at Tanegashima Island in 2001 and (2) 85 animals at Hasaki in 2002. We report here the results of life history traits and group composition of these strandings, and compare them to another mass stranding with 135 individuals at Aoshima in 1982. In the Hasaki event, most stranded animals, including those released were sexed and measured. The proportion of live males released was much higher than that of females, and larger animals, especially females, were more likely to have died. Females were estimated to attain sexual maturity at around 7 yr and give birth every 3–4 yr. The sex ratio was significantly different between the Hasaki and Aoshima events. Among dead specimens, females of various age classes were included in all strandings, while age distribution of males varied considerably among strandings. This suggests females show group fidelity while males move between groups. Asymptotic body length of females from Hasaki was significantly smaller than that from Tanegashima, suggesting that more than one population of melon‐headed whales exist off Japan.
Acetolactate synthases MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 are required for infection‐related morphogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Du Yan , Zhang Haifeng , Hong Li , Wang Jiamei , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengguang 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAmino acids are important components in the metabolism of a variety of pathogens, plants and animals. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) catalyses the first common step in leucine, isoleucine and valine biosynthesis, and is the target of several classes of inhibitors. Here, MoIlv2, an orthologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ALS catalytic subunit Ilv2, and MoIlv6, an orthologue of the S. cerevisiae ALS regulatory subunit Ilv6, were identified. To characterize MoILV2 and MoILV6 functions, we generated the deletion mutants ΔMoilv2 and ΔMoilv6. Phenotypic analysis showed that both mutants were auxotrophic for leucine, isoleucine and valine, and were defective in conidial morphogenesis, appressorial penetration and pathogenicity. Further studies suggested that MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 play a critical role in maintaining the balance of intracellular amino acid levels. MoIlv2 and MoIlv6 are both localized to the mitochondria and the signal peptide of MoIlv6 is critical for its localization. In summary, our evidence indicates that MoIlv2 plays a crucial role in isoleucine and valine biosynthesis, whereas MoIlv6 contributes to isoleucine and leucine biosynthesis; both genes are required for fungal pathogenicity. This study indicates the potential of targeting branched‐chain amino acid biosynthesis for anti‐rice blast management.
Effect of oral infection ofLa Crossevirus on survival and fecundity of nativeOchlerotatus triseriatusand invasiveStegomyia albopicta
Authors: COSTANZO K. S. , MUTURI E. J. , MONTGOMERY A. V. , ALTO B. W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractArboviruses can have benign, deleterious, or beneficial effects on the vector. We tested the hypothesis that oral infection withLa Crosse virus (LACV)will have little to no effect on mosquito longevity and fecundity, a prediction of low virulence selected in a system with frequent vertical transmission. We tested the effects of infection in nativeOchlerotatus triseriatusSay and invasiveStegomyia albopictaSkuse (Diptera: Culicidae). We artificially fed adult female mosquitoes of each species with eitherLACV‐infected or uninfected bovine blood and determined adult longevity and fecundity. For females fedLACV‐infected blood, bodies and legs, respectively, were separately homogenized and assayed by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to determine theLACVinfection and dissemination rates.Ochlerotatus triseriatushad a higher infection and dissemination rate thanSt. albopicta. For both species, female size had no effect on infection status. Infection status also had no effect on longevity or fecundity for both species. We suggest that the high frequency of vertical transmission may have selected for strains of the virus with low virulence in two vectors, in spite of their different evolutionary histories with the virus.
Prevalence and risk factors for proteinuria: The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia Lifecheck Health Screening programme
Authors: Ong Loke Meng , Punithavathi Narayanan , Thurairatnam Dharminy , Zainal Hadzlinda , Beh Mei Li , Morad Zaki , Lee Sharleen YS , Bavanandan Sunita , Kok Lai Sun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTreatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a huge burden to the healthcare system. To address the problem, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia embarked on a programme to screen for proteinuria and educate the public on CKD.MethodsThe public was invited for health screening and the data collected over a 21 month period was analyzed.ResultsIn total, 40 400 adults from all the states in Malaysia were screened. The screening population had a mean age of 41 years, 30.1% had hypertension and 10.6% had diabetes. Proteinuria was detected in 1.4% and haematuria in 8.9% of the participants. Factors associated with the highest risk for proteinuria were the presence of diabetes (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.63 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16–3.21)), hypertension (OR 2.49 (95% CI 2.03–3.07)) and cardiac disease (OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.50–2.81)). Other risk factors identified were lower educational level, family history of kidney disease, hypercholesterolaemia, obesity and lack of regular exercise. Chinese had the lowest risk for proteinuria among the races (OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.57–0.87) compared with Malays). The combination of high blood glucose and high blood pressure (BP) substantially increased the risk for proteinuria (OR 38.1 for glucose ≥ 10 mmol/L and systolic BP ≥ 180 mmHg and OR 47.9 for glucose ≥ 10 mmol/L and diastolic BP ≥ 110 mmHg).ConclusionThe prevalence of proteinuria in Malaysia is similar to other countries. The major risk factors for proteinuria were diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease. The presence of both high blood pressure and high blood glucose exert a synergistic effect in substantially increasing the risk for proteinuria.