bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of intrauterine and post‐natal nutritional determinants on blood pressure at 4 years of age
Authors: Normia J. , Laitinen K. , Isolauri E. , Poussa T. , Jaakkola J. , Ojala T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo prospectively study how the early nutritional environment can programme blood pressure in a well‐nourished population of children.MethodsBy means of multivariate modelling, we assessed whether gestational and post‐natal dietary intakes and growth influence childhood blood pressure programming in a cohort of 109 healthy mother–child pairs. They had been followed from early pregnancy until the children reached 4 years of age. Dietary intakes were evaluated using 3‐day food diaries. Blood pressure levels in the children were measured using an automated oscillometric DINAMAP ProCare 100 (Criticon, Tampa, FL, USA) at the age of 4 years.ResultsIn the final multivariate model, the predictor variables of childhood systolic blood pressure were maternal dietary carbohydrate and fat intake during pregnancy, as well as childhood weight and dietary fat intake at 4 years of age. Systolic blood pressure levels in the children were found to be positively associated with the maternal carbohydrate intake (P = 0.003), whereas blood pressure levels were lowest in children exposed to the middle tertile of maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy (P = 0.003) and whose own dietary fat intake was in the middle tertile at the age of 4 years (P = 0.013). The model also showed that heavier children have a higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). None of the maternal clinical characteristics fulfilled the criterion to be included in the model. The only determinant underlying childhood diastolic blood pressure was childhood weight at 4 years of age (r = 0.289, P = 0.026).ConclusionsInterventions focusing on cardiovascular health in young women during pregnancy and their children should be considered to reduce cardiovascular diseases risk factors in these children.
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) signaling modulates intermittent hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress and cognitive deficits in mouse
Authors: Nair Deepti , Ramesh Vijay , Li Richard C. , Schally Andrew V. , Gozal David 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep, such as occurs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), leads to degenerative changes in the hippocampus, and is associated with spatial learning deficits in adult mice. In both patients and murine models of OSA, the disease is associated with suppression of growth hormone (GH) secretion, which is actively involved in the growth, development, and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent work showed that exogenous GH therapy attenuated neurocognitive deficits elicited by IH during sleep in rats. Here, we show that administration of the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) agonist JI‐34 attenuates IH‐induced neurocognitive deficits, anxiety, and depression in mice along with reduction in oxidative stress markers such as MDA and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and increases in hypoxia inducible factor‐1α DNA binding and up‐regulation of insulin growth factor‐1 and erythropoietin expression. In contrast, treatment with a GHRH antagonist (MIA‐602) during intermittent hypoxia did not affect any of the IH‐induced deleterious effects in mice. Thus, exogenous GHRH administered as the formulation of a GHRH agonist may provide a viable therapeutic intervention to protect IH‐vulnerable brain regions from OSA‐associated neurocognitive dysfunction.
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Sleep apnea, characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), is associated with substantial cognitive and behavioral deficits. Here, we show that administration of a GHRH agonist (JI‐34) reduces oxidative stress, increases both HIF‐1α nuclear binding and downstream expression of IGF1 and erythropoietin (EPO) in hippocampus and cortex, and markedly attenuates water maze performance deficits in mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia during sleep.
Experiences of living with dementia: qualitative content analysis of semi‐structured interviews
Authors: Mazaheri Monir , Eriksson Lars E , Heikkilä Kristiina , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht , Ekman Sirkka‐Liisa , Sunvisson Helena 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe people's experiences of living with dementia in Iran.BackgroundA knowledge gap exists regarding the experiences of living with dementia in nonWestern contexts. This gap may be especially apparent within the Iranian context, where dementia research is relatively new. Deeper understanding about context‐related experiences of dementia is a prerequisite for nurses' ability to provide adequate and meaningful care.DesignQualitative, cross‐sectional design.MethodsQualitative content analysis of semi‐structured interviews with people living with dementia in urban Iran (six women and nine men; 60–87 years old).ResultsThe participants experienced their condition as a state of forgetfulness that was accompanied by losses and dependency on others. They wanted to feel good about themselves and feel important, but they continually struggled with matters such as a loss of accountability, feelings of futility and the frustration of others. Economic dependency and a lack of economic resources were sources of feelings of futility.ConclusionExperiences of living with dementia in Iran included a substantial struggle to stay connected to the social world and to deal with dramatic life changes, aspects of living with dementia that seem to be universal. However, the feelings of financial burden and the experience of being nagged for their shortfalls by family members have seldom been described in other studies and seem to represent a cultural aspect of their experience.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of the study call for further nursing efforts in supporting people living with dementia in their struggle with their altered lives and in retaining their connections to everyday life. Furthermore, their family members might benefit from specific nursing interventions including information about dementia and advice on how to help the family members with dementia to interact with others while exercising their individual strengths.
Changes of maternal dietary intake, bodyweight and fetal growth throughout pregnancy in pregnant Japanese women
Authors: Kubota Kimie , Itoh Hiroaki , Tasaka Mitsue , Naito Hatue , Fukuoka Yoshiharu , Muramatsu Kato Keiko , Kohmura Yukiko Kobayashi , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Kanayama Naohiro ,   Hamamatsu Birth Cohort (HBC) Study Team
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe associations among changes in dietary intake, maternal bodyweight, and fetal growth during the course of pregnancy were investigated in a prospective cohort study carried out on 135 Japanese women.Material and MethodsDietary intake was analyzed using digital photos of meals taken over 3 consecutive days, in the first, second and third trimester, and was compared with maternal bodyweight, estimated fetal bodyweight by ultrasound examination, and birthweight.ResultsSurprisingly, the mean total calorie intake remained below 1600 kcal/day during pregnancy, much lower than the value recommended in the 2010 edition of ‘Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese’. Dietary intake was similar throughout despite the recommendation of extra intake in late pregnancy. Maternal dietary intake did not correlate with fetal growth, although maternal bodyweight in the second trimester positively correlated with estimated fetal bodyweight in the third trimester. Maternal bodyweight before pregnancy positively correlated with birthweight.ConclusionsMaternal bodyweight as well as eating habits established before pregnancy may have a considerable effect on fetal growth. There is an urgent need to improve the diet of Japanese women of child‐bearing age, especially during pregnancy.
Microwave endometrial ablation for endometrial protection in women with breast cancer on adjuvant tamoxifen
Authors: Zhu Yunshan , Yang Jianhua 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) in inhibiting the proliferative response of the endometrium in women with breast cancer who are treated with tamoxifen.Material and MethodsIn the before–after study, we treated 31 postmenopausal patients who had received adjuvant tamoxifen for 1 year or more with MEA, the endometrial changes were compared before and after MEA.ResultsAfter MEA, the thickness of the uterine lining was decreased significantly. No patient had recurrent endometrial polyps or abnormal vaginal bleeding during the follow‐up period.ConclusionMEA had a protective action against the uterine effects of tamoxifen for postmenopausal patients. MEA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment method for breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen.
Unusual clinical course of preeclampsia heralded by generalized edema
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Yamada Takahiro , Yamada Takashi , Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPreeclampsia monitored by the amount of proteinuria usually does not show amelioration during pregnancy. A 37‐year‐old nulliparous woman was admitted to our hospital at gestational week (GW) 24−1/7 due to rapid weight gain (6.2 kg/4 weeks) and oligohydramnios. Hypertension (151/91 mmHg) appeared at GW 25−0/7 and proteinuria not detected at GW 24−0/7 became significant (0.55 g/day) at GW 25−2/7. During the 2 successive weeks after administration of betamethasone at 12 mg twice and transabdominal amnioinfusion with 250 mL of Ringer's acetate solution at GW 25−3/7, generalized edema, proteinuria and thrombocytopenia markedly improved: bodyweight, 78.0 to 69.0 kg; proteinuria, from 7.1 to 1.3 g/day; and platelet count, from 111 to 230 × 109/L. However, intrauterine infection accompanied by non‐reassuring fetal status necessitated emergency cesarean section at GW 28−3/7. Extraordinary bodyweight gain can herald the occurrence of preeclampsia and this weight gain together with signs of preeclampsia can ameliorate even during pregnancy, although its mechanism is unclear.
Felinine excretion in domestic cat breeds: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Hagen‐Plantinga E. A. , Bosch G. , Hendriks W. H. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine possible differences in felinine excretion between domesticated cat breeds. For this purpose, urine was collected from a total of 83 privately owned entire male cats from eight different breeds in the Netherlands during the period of November 2010 till November 2011. In the collected samples, free felinine and creatinine concentrations were measured. Free felinine concentrations were expressed relative to the urinary creatinine concentration to compensate for possible variations in renal output. The mean (±SD) felinine:creatinine (Fel:Cr) ratio as measured over all cats was 0.702 (±0.265). Both the Abyssinian and Sphynx breeds showed the highest Fel:Cr ratio (0.878 ± 0.162 and 0.878 ± 0.341 respectively) which significantly differed from the ratios of the British Shorthairs (0.584 ± 0.220), Birmans (0.614 ± 0.266), Norwegian Forest cats (0.566 ± 0.296) and Siberian cats (0.627 ± 0.124). The Fel:Cr ratios of the Persians (0.792 ± 0.284) and Ragdolls (0.673 ± 0.256) showed no statistical difference with either of the other breeds. A significant proportion of the observed variation between the different feline breeds could be explained by hair growth, as both hair growth and felinine production compete for available cysteine. Shorthaired and hairless cat breeds generally showed a higher Fel:Cr ratio compared to longhaired cat breeds, with the exception of Persian cats. Further research is warranted to more closely study the effect of hair growth on felinine production.
Suppressive activity and altered conventional phenotype markers/mediators of regulatory T cells in patients with self‐limiting hepatitis E
Authors: Rathod S. B. , Das R. , Thanapati S. , Arankalle V. A. , Tripathy A. S. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of self‐limiting acute viral hepatitis in several developing countries. Elevated levels of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25−Foxp3+ and rise in IL‐10 in hepatitis E have been associated with the involvement of regulatory T cells (Treg). The functional role of the same is yet elusive. In the current study, we have assessed (i) Foxp3 expression by real‐time PCR and by flow cytometry, (ii) the levels of antigen‐specific IL‐10 and TGF‐β by ELISA, (iii) functional analysis of Treg cells and (iv) expression of Treg‐associated conventional phenotypes by flow cytometry in 54 acute patients, 44 recovered individuals from hepatitis E and in 33 healthy controls. Foxp3 mRNA elevation in the acute compared with recovered group and elevation in Foxp3+ cells in both patient groups were significantly elevated. The levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β in the acute patients and TGF‐β in the recovered individuals were elevated. Significantly higher expression of CTLA‐4, PD1, GITR, CD95, CD103 and CD73 on Treg and T effector (Teff) cells was detected in the patient groups. Treg cells of acute patients and recovered individuals exhibited suppressive activity indicating that the Treg cells of hepatitis E patients are functional. The suppressive capacity of Treg cells in acute hepatitis E patients was significantly higher compared with the recovered individuals. Based on our findings, the suppressive functionality of these key markers associated with hepatitis E Treg function need further exploration to get a better understanding of the mechanisms of Treg‐mediated suppression.
Sequence‐independent processing site of the C‐terminal domain (CTD) influences maturation of the RgpB protease from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Gao Jin‐Long , Hunter Neil , Potempa Jan , Nguyen Ky‐Anh 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe Gram‐negative periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis produces a family of outer membrane‐anchored proteases, the gingipains, shown to play an essential role in virulence of the organism. The C‐terminal domain (CTD) of gingipains and other secreted proteins is known to be the targeting signal for maturation and translocation of the protein through the outer membrane. The CTD is subsequently cleaved during the secretion process. Multiple alignment of various CTDs failed to define a consensus sequence at the putative CTD processing site. Using mutagenesis, we were able to show that cleavage at the site is not dependent on a specific residue and that recognition of the site is independent of local sequence. Interestingly, length of the junction between the CTD and adjacent Ig‐like subdomain has a critical influence on post‐translational glycan modification of the protein, whereby insertion of additional residues immediately N‐terminal to the cleavage site results in failure of glycan modification and release of soluble protease into the culture medium. Various hypotheses are presented to explain these phenomena. Knowledge of the role CTDs play in maturation of gingipains has broader application for understanding maturation of CTD homologues expressed by bacteria of the Bacteriodetes phylum.
The prognostic ability of early Braden Q Scores in critically ill children
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N , Siner Sarah , Scott Elaine , Lane Steven 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPressure ulcer (PU) risk assessment tools are an important component of good nursing care; however, it is essential that these tools offer a good sensitivity and specificity, in addition to clinical utility in the population being assessed.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine how the lowest Braden Q score recorded in the first 24 h of paediatric intensive care unit admission related to the risk of PU development in an English PICU (paediatric intensive care unit).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken over 12 months in a single PICU in the North West of England. 891 critically ill children with a Braden Q score were evaluated.The lowest Braden Q score within the first 24 h of PICU admission was matched to reported PU development and grade.ResultsThe Braden Q score was found to perform well in children aged 3 weeks to 8 years without congenital heart disease (CHD), which is the population it was validated on. At a cut off score of ≤16 it yielded a sensitivity of 100% specificity of 73.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 2.56 and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87(0.75–0.98). When used in other age groups and when it included children with CHD, it performed less well with lower AUC and wider confidence intervals, but it performed moderately well in the group of term to 14 years with a sensitivity of 75% specificity of 72.6%, PPV 1.5 and a NPV of 99.8 and AUC of 0.74 (0.49–0.98).ConclusionOur results in a heterogeneous UK PICU population found the Braden Q score performed well in the specific population it was validated for (PICU children aged 3 weeks to 8 years without CHD), however, it performed moderately well in the more heterogonous PICU population of term to 14 years including children with CHD.
Increasing atmospheric CO2 reduces metabolic and physiological differences between isoprene‐ and non‐isoprene‐emitting poplars
Authors: Way Danielle A. , Ghirardo Andrea , Kanawati Basem , Esperschütz Jürgen , Monson Russell K. , Jackson Robert B. , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Isoprene, a volatile organic compound produced by some plant species, enhances abiotic stress tolerance under current atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but its biosynthesis is negatively correlated with CO2 concentrations. We hypothesized that losing the capacity to produce isoprene would require stronger up‐regulation of other stress tolerance mechanisms at low CO2 than at higher CO2 concentrations.

We compared metabolite profiles and physiological performance in poplars (Populus × canescens) with either wild‐type or RNAi‐suppressed isoprene emission capacity grown at pre‐industrial low, current atmospheric, and future high CO2 concentrations (190, 390 and 590 ppm CO2, respectively).

Suppression of isoprene biosynthesis led to significant rearrangement of the leaf metabolome, increasing stress tolerance responses such as xanthophyll cycle pigment de‐epoxidation and antioxidant levels, as well as altering lipid, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Metabolic and physiological differences between isoprene‐emitting and suppressed lines diminished as growth CO2 concentrations rose.

The CO2 dependence of our results indicates that the effects of isoprene biosynthesis are strongest at pre‐industrial CO2 concentrations. Rising CO2 may reduce the beneficial effects of biogenic isoprene emission, with implications for species competition. This has potential consequences for future climate warming, as isoprene emitted from vegetation has strong effects on global atmospheric chemistry.
Cytokines and tumor markers in potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot study
Authors: Czerninski R , Basile JR , Kartin‐Gabay T , Laviv A , Barak V 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), tissue polypeptide–specific antigen (TPS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), or status‐post (SP) OSCC.Subjects and MethodsBlood was collected from 47 patients, either controls or diagnosed with PMD, OSCC, or SPOSCC. Levels of cytokines and tumor marker were evaluated by ELISAs. Normal levels were based on previous studies and pathology determined by chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAbove normal levels of SCCA were found for OSCC and dysplasia patients (33.3% and 11.1%, respectively) and high range of normal (upper 20% of the normal range) for lichen planus, SPOSCC, and dysplasia patients (6.67%, 33.3%, and 22.2%, respectively), differences that approached statistical significance (P = 0.055). No differences were found between groups for other tested markers. A progression was seen for SCCA from high range of normal in SPOSCC to a mixture of high normal and elevated in dysplasia to elevated in active OSCC, suggesting that SCCA may be correlated with cancer progression.ConclusionHigher levels of serum SCCA may serve as a marker for dysplasia and progression to oral carcinogenesis.
Comparison of Dyssynchrony Parameters for VV‐Optimization in CRT Patients
Authors: RISUM NIELS , SOGAARD PETER , HANSEN THOMAS F. , BRUUN NIELS E. , HOFFMANN SOREN , KISSLO JOSEPH , JONS CHRISTIAN , OLSEN NIELS T. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundOptimization of the interventricular delay (VV‐optimization) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients can be performed by evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony. However, there is no consensus on which method to use. In this study, three conceptually different methods were evaluated.MethodsThirty consecutive CRT patients were included. At day 1, patients were atrioventricular and VV optimized by left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI). At 6 months, 2D strain (2DS) echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) was performed at six different VV‐programming delay in steps of 20 ms. LVOT and three indices of dyssynchrony were evaluated at each setting: standard deviation (SD) of time‐to‐peak strain in 12 segments (2DS‐SD), SD of time‐to‐peak velocities in 12 segments (TDI‐SD), and maximal activation delay (AD‐max) by cross‐correlation analysis (XCA) of TDI‐derived myocardial acceleration curves.ResultsFeasibility was 90% for 2DS‐SD and TDI‐SD and 97% for AD‐max. Coefficients of variation for intraobserver variability were 13% for 2DS‐SD, 11% for TDI‐SD, and 6% for AD‐max. A relative increase in LVOT VTI > 10% was observed in 5/12 (42%) nonresponders and 7/18 (39%) responders to CRT. Optimization by all three dyssynchrony indices significantly increased LVOT VTI compared to simultaneous pacing and optimal setting at day 1 (P < 0.05, all). LVOT VTI was highest when using AD‐max, and AD‐max showed the best agreement (k = 0.71).ConclusionVV optimization at 6 months acutely benefits both responders and nonresponders; however, dyssynchrony indices do not perform equally well. XCA has a high feasibility and reproducibility and appears to be superior to time‐to‐peak techniques.
Interaction of Retinoic Acid Radical Cation with Lysozyme and Antioxidants: Laser Flash Photolysis Study in Microemulsion
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Mei , Wang Ting , Sun Dongmei , Zhu Rongrong , Sun Xiaoyu , Wu Xianzheng , Wang Shi‐Long 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAll‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays essential roles in the normal biological processes and the treatment of cancer and skin diseases. Considering its photosensitive property, many studies have been focused on the photochemistry of ATRA. In this study, we investigated the transient phenomena in the laser flash photolysis (LFP) of ATRA in microemulsion to further understand the photochemistry of ATRA. Results show that 355 nm LFP of ATRA in both acidic and alkaline conditions leads to the generation of retinoic acid cation radicals (ATRA•+) via biphotonic processes. The employment of microemulsion system allows us to investigate the reaction of hydrophobic ATRA•+ with molecules of different polarity. Therefore, we studied the reaction activity of ATRA•+ to many hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Results show that ATRA•+ can efficiently interact with lysozyme, tyrosine, tryptophan and many antioxidants, such as curcumin (Cur), vitamin C (VC) and gallic acid (GA). The apparent rate constants of these reactions were measured and compared. These findings suggest that ATRA•+ is a reactive transient product which may pose damage to lysozyme, and antioxidants, such as Cur, VC and GA, may inactivate ATRA•+ by efficient quenching reactions.