bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship of distance from the surgical centre on attendance and weight loss after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jennings N. , Boyle M. , Mahawar K. , Balupuri S. , Small P. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObesity remains a significant worldwide health problem and is currently increasing. Surgery remains the only proven long‐term intervention and has been shown to be cost‐effective. Evidence suggests that regular follow‐up following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is related to improved outcome, such evidence is lacking for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery (laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass [LRYGB]). This study examines the effect of distance on attendance at post‐operative clinics and subsequent weight loss following surgery. A prospectively maintained database was interrogated to analyze patients undergoing LRYGB before August 2010. Patient demographics, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), compliance with out‐patient clinic attendances and the distance the patients lived from the hospital were examined. Perfect clinic attendees were compared with non‐attendees and the distances patients lived from the hospital evaluated. There was a significantly greater %EWL at 1 year post‐op observed in the perfect attendees group (65.5 vs. 59.5, P = 0.01). Increased %EWL was also evident at 2 years post‐op but did not reach statistical significance (66.9 vs. 59.5, P = 0.06). There was a negative correlation observed between post‐operative weight loss and distance from the bariatric centre (R = −0.21, P = 0.04). Close follow‐up following LRYGB is essential to optimize outcomes. Increased frequency of out‐patient clinic visits was associated with improved post‐operative weight loss. Increasing distance between the patient's home and the bariatric centre was associated with worse post‐operative weight loss.
A systematic review of ordinal scales used to classify the eating and drinking abilities of individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sellers Diane , Pennington Lindsay , Mandy Anne , Morris Christopher 
Published: October 2013

AimThe aim of this review was to examine systematically the scope, validity, and reliability of ordinal scales used to classify the eating and drinking ability of people with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodSix electronic databases were searched to identify measures used to classify eating and drinking ability; in addition, two databases were used to track citations of key texts. The constructs assessed by each measure were examined in relation to the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Evidence of validity and reliability of the identified scales was appraised from peer‐reviewed studies using standard criteria.ResultsFifteen scales were identified in 23 papers. Clinician or researcher assessment was required for 13 scales; nine scales made use of information from parents and carers through interviews or questionnaires. Eight scales used the terms mild, moderate, and severe (with varying definitions) to describe different aspects of eating and drinking impairment. There was an assessment of either content validity and/or reliability for five scales; however, none met the recommended psychometric quality standards.InterpretationCurrently, there is a lack of evidence of the validity and reliability of ordinal scales of functional eating and drinking abilities of people with CP.
Prognostic Value of Treadmill Stress Echocardiography at Extremes of Exercise Performance: Submaximal <85% Maximum Predicted Heart Rate versus High Exercise Capacity ≥10 Metabolic Equivalents
Authors: Yao Siu‐Sun , Agarwal Vikram , Chaudhry Farooq A. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundSubmaximal stress testing or achieving <85% maximum predicted heart rate (MPHR) may lead to nondiagnostic results and indeterminate outcomes. High exercise capacity (≥10 metabolic equivalents, METS) is a predictor of favorable prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of submaximal or high exercise capacity stress echocardiography.MethodsWe evaluated 1781 patients (55 ± 13 years; 59% male) undergoing treadmill stress echocardiography divided into 811 patients with submaximal (<85% MPHR) and 970 patients with high exercise capacity (≥10 METS). Resting left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion were assessed. The left ventricle was divided into 16 segments and scored on 5‐point scale of wall motion. Abnormal stress echocardiography was defined as stress‐induced ischemia (wall‐motion score of ≥1 grade). Follow‐up (3.3 ± 1.5 years) for nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 40) and cardiac death (n = 52) were obtained.ResultsBy univariate analysis, echocardiographic variables of ejection fraction, peak wall‐motion score index (WMSI) and number of new ischemic wall‐motion abnormalities were significant predictors of cardiac events. Cumulative survival was significantly worse in patients with abnormal (ischemic) versus normal (nonischemic) stress echocardiography in submaximal (4.4%/year vs. 1.3%/year, P < 0.0001) and high exercise capacity (1.5%/year vs. 0.2%/year, P < 0.0001) studies. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified number of new ischemic wall‐motion abnormalities as the strongest predictor of cardiac events (P < 0.05) in both groups.ConclusionsDespite normal stress echocardiography, the inability to achieve 85% MPHR conferred a higher, intermediate cardiac event rate of 2.9%/year. The ability to achieve 9 minutes (≥10 metabolic equivalents, METS) conferred an overall low cardiac event rate of 0.4%/year. However, the absence or presence of ischemia by stress echocardiography was able to further risk stratify patients with either submaximal or high exercise capacity studies.
Cause of death in mild cognitive impairment: a prospective study (NEDICES)
Authors: Contador I. , Bermejo‐Pareja F. , Mitchell A. J. , Trincado R. , Villarejo A. , Sánchez‐Ferro Á. , Benito‐León J. 
Published: October 2013

Background and purposePrevious studies have reported the occurrence of increased mortality rates among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but possible links between MCI subtypes and cause‐specific mortality need to be explored. To examine short‐term mortality (5 years), long‐term mortality (13 years) and cause‐specific mortality of individuals over 65 years of age suffering from MCI compared with cognitively unimpaired individuals in the Neurological Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES) cohort.MethodsMild cognitive impairment was classified using standardized psychometric and functional assessment in accordance with diagnostic convention. Cox's proportional hazards models, adjusted by sociodemographics and comorbidity factors, were used to assess the risk of death at 5 and 13 years of MCI subtypes compared with a reference group of older people without cognitive impairment (N = 2329). Causes of death were obtained from the National Population Register of Spain.ResultsThere were 1484 deceased individuals at 13 years. MCI subtypes were defined as amnestic single domain (N = 259), amnestic multiple domain (N = 197) and non‐amnestic (N = 641). After adjusting for covariates, only the amnestic multiple domain MCI subtype showed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for mortality at 5 years versus the reference group. However, the HR for mortality at 13 years was increased for all MCI subtypes. The HR by MCI subtype was 1.19 in the non‐amnestic subtype (95% CI 1.05–1.36), 1.31 in the amnestic single domain subtype (95% CI 1.10–1.56) and 1.67 in the amnestic multiple domain subtype (95% CI 1.38–2.02). In terms of cause‐specific mortality, the chance of death from dementia was statistically higher in all MCI subtypes.ConclusionAmnestic multiple domain MCI showed the greatest risk of mortality in comparison with other MCI subtypes at different intervals. Dementia was the only cause‐specific mortality that was increased in MCI individuals.
An Interpretive Argument for Blended Course Design
Authors: Gleason Jesse 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAs courses that once regularly met face‐to‐face are increasingly offered in blended or fully online formats, questions have been raised about the comparability of instruction, teacher and student roles, and overall quality of the learning experience. The present study offers a five‐inference interpretive argument (Chapelle, Enright & Jamieson, 2008a; Kane, 2006) that may be used to guide the design and implementation of blended language curriculum and instruction in which tasks are viewed as micro‐formative assessments. An example compares the language practiced and produced by students during three language tasks that were carried out both online and in a classroom setting. Finally, suggestions to guide the gathering of validity evidence for blended language course design are offered.
Trends in seedling growth and carbon‐use efficiency vary among broadleaf tree species along a latitudinal transect in eastern North America
Authors: Dillaway Dylan N. , Kruger Eric L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFactors constraining the geographic ranges of broadleaf tree species in eastern North America were examined in common gardens along a ~1500 km latitudinal transect travers in grange boundaries of four target species: trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) to the north vs. eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) to the south. In 2006 and 2007, carbon‐use efficiency (CUE), the proportion of assimilated carbon retained in biomass, was estimated for seedlings of the four species as the quotient of relative growth rate (RGR) and photosynthesis per unit tree mass (Atree). In aspen and birch, CUE and RGR declined significantly with increasing growth temperature, which spanned 9 °C across gardens and years. The 37% (relative) CUE decrease from coolest to warmest garden correlated with increases in leaf nighttime respiration (Rleaf) and the ratio of Rleaf to leaf photosynthesis (R%A). For cottonwood and sweet gum, however, similar increases in Rleaf and R%A accompanied modest CUE declines, implying that processes other than Rleaf were responsible for species differences in CUE's temperature response. Our findings illustrate marked taxonomic variation, at least among young trees, in the thermal sensitivity of CUE, and point to potentially negative consequences of climate warming for the carbon balance, competitive ability, and persistence of two foundation species in northern temperate and boreal forests.
Climatic and technological ceilings for Chinese rice stagnation based on yield gaps and yield trend pattern analysis
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Yang Xiaoguang , Wang Hesong , Li Yong , Ye Qing 
Published: October 2013

AbstractClimatic or technological ceilings could cause yield stagnation. Thus, identifying the principal reasons for yield stagnation within the context of the local climate and socio‐economic conditions are essential for informing regional agricultural policies. In this study, we identified the climatic and technological ceilings for seven rice‐production regions in China based on yield gaps and on a yield trend pattern analysis for the period 1980–2010. The results indicate that 54.9% of the counties sampled experienced yield stagnation since the 1980. The potential yield ceilings in northern and eastern China decreased to a greater extent than in other regions due to the accompanying climate effects of increases in temperature and decreases in radiation. This may be associated with yield stagnation and halt occurring in approximately 49.8–57.0% of the sampled counties in these areas. South‐western China exhibited a promising scope for yield improvement, showing the greatest yield gap (30.6%), whereas the yields were stagnant in 58.4% of the sampled counties. This finding suggests that efforts to overcome the technological ceiling must be given priority so that the available exploitable yield gap can be achieved. North‐eastern China, however, represents a noteworthy exception. In the north‐central area of this region, climate change has increased the yield potential ceiling, and this increase has been accompanied by the most rapid increase in actual yield: 1.02 ton ha−1 per decade. Therefore, north‐eastern China shows a great potential for rice production, which is favoured by the current climate conditions and available technology level. Additional environmentally friendly economic incentives might be considered in this region.
Dental pulp stem cells immobilized in alginate microspheres for applications in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kanafi M. M. , Ramesh A. , Gupta P. K. , Bhonde R. R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo immobilize dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) in alginate microspheres and to determine cell viability, proliferation, stem cell characteristics and osteogenic potential of the immobilized DPSCs.MethodologyHuman DPSCs isolated from the dental pulp were immobilized in 1% w/v alginate microspheres. Viability and proliferation of immobilized DPSCs were determined by trypan blue and MTT assay, respectively. Stem cell characteristics of DPSCs post immobilization were verified by labelling the cells with CD73 and CD90. Osteogenic potential of immobilized DPSCs was assessed by the presence of osteocalcin. Alizarin red staining and O‐cresolphthalein complexone method confirmed and quantified calcium deposition. A final reverse transcriptase PCR evaluated the expression of osteogenic markers – ALP, Runx‐2 and OCN.ResultsMore than 80% of immobilized DPSCs were viable throughout the 3‐week study. Proliferation appeared controlled and consistent unlike DPSCs in the control group. Presence of CD73 and CD90 markers confirmed the stem cell nature of immobilized DPSCs. The presence of osteocalcin, an osteoblastic marker, was confirmed in the microspheres on day 21. Mineralization assays showed high calcium deposition indicating elevated osteogenic potential of immobilized DPSCs. Osteogenic genes‐ ALP, Runx‐2 and OCN were also upregulated in immobilized DPSCs. Surprisingly, immobilized DPSCs in the control group cultured in conventional stem cell media showed upregulation of osteogenic genes and expressed osteocalcin.ConclusionDental pulp stem cells immobilized in alginate hydrogels exhibit enhanced osteogenic potential while maintaining high cell viability both of which are fundamental for bone tissue regeneration.
Gemcitabine sensitizes lung cancer cells to Fas/FasL system‐mediated killing
Authors: Siena Liboria , Pace Elisabetta , Ferraro Maria , Di Sano Caterina , Melis Mario , Profita Mirella , Spatafora Mario , Gjomarkaj Mark 
Published: October 2013

SummaryGemcitabine is a chemotherapy agent commonly used in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in NSCLC cells by increasing functionally active Fas expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) system involvement in gemcitabine‐induced lung cancer cell killing. NSCLC H292 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of gemcitabine. FasL mRNA and protein were evaluated by real‐time PCR, and by Western blot and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis of FasL‐expressing cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, and caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 activation by Western blot and a colorimetric assay. Cytotoxicity of lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells and malignant pleural fluid lymphocytes against H292 cells was analysed in the presence or absence of the neutralizing anti‐Fas ZB4 antibody, by flow cytometry. Gemcitabine increased FasL mRNA and total protein expression, the percentage of H292 cells bearing membrane‐bound FasL (mFasL) and of mFasL‐positive apoptotic H292 cells, as well as caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 cleavage. Moreover, gemcitabine increased CH11‐induced caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 cleavage and proteolytic activity. Cytotoxicity of LAK cells and pleural fluid lymphocytes was increased against gemcitabine‐treated H292 cells and was partially inhibited by ZB4 antibody. These results demonstrate that gemcitabine: (i) induces up‐regulation of FasL in lung cancer cells triggering cell apoptosis via an autocrine/paracrine loop; (ii) induces a Fas‐dependent apoptosis mediated by caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 activation; (iii) enhances the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cytotoxic activity of LAK cells and malignant pleural fluid lymphocytes, partially via Fas/FasL pathway. Our data strongly suggest an active involvement of the Fas/FasL system in gemcitabine‐induced lung cancer cell killing.
Protective effect of intranasal immunization with Neospora caninum membrane antigens against murine neosporosis established through the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Ferreirinha Pedro , Dias Joana , Correia Alexandra , Pérez‐Cabezas Begoña , Santos Carlos , Teixeira Luzia , Ribeiro Adília , Rocha António , Vilanova Manuel 
Published: October 2013

SummaryNeospora caninum is an Apicomplexa parasite that in the last two decades was acknowledged as the main pathogenic agent responsible for economic losses in the cattle industry. In the present study, the effectiveness of intranasal immunization with N. caninum membrane antigens plus CpG adjuvant was assessed in a murine model of intragastrically established neosporosis. Immunized mice presented a lower parasitic burden in the brain on infection with 5 × 107 tachyzoites, showing that significant protection was achieved by this immunization strategy. Intestinal IgA antibodies raised by immunization markedly agglutinated live N. caninum tachyzoites whereas previous opsonization with IgG antibodies purified from immunized mice sera reduced parasite survival within macrophage cells. Although an IgG1 : IgG2a ratio < 1 was detected in the immunized mice before and after infection, indicative of a predominant T helper type 1 immune response, no increased production of interferon‐γ was detected in the spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes of the immunized mice. Altogether, these results show that mucosal immunization with N. caninum membrane proteins plus CpG adjuvant protect against intragastrically established neosporosis and indicate that parasite‐specific mucosal and circulating antibodies have a protective role against this parasitic infection.
The Low‐Temperature Cosintering of Cobalt Ferrite and Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramic Composites
Authors: Jenus Petra , Lisjak Darja , Kuscer Danjela , Makovec Darko , Drofenik Miha 
Published: October 2013

Magneto‐electric (ME) ceramic composites of cobalt ferrite (CoF) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) were prepared by mechanical mixing of the constituent powders followed by cosintering. The cosintering conditions for nano‐sized CoF and submicrometer‐sized PZT powders were studied in detail. It was found that the CoF powder needs to be presintered at 700°C for 2 h to minimize the differences in the sintering kinetics of the constituent powders. Despite the low cosintering temperatures (900°C–1000°C) the interdiffusion of the cations from both phases was confirmed with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and X‐ray diffraction. Efforts were made to optimize the cosintering conditions to prepare dense ceramic ME composites, which showed the converse ME effect.
Different neurodevelopmental symptoms have a common genetic etiology
Authors: Pettersson Erik , Anckarsäter Henrik , Gillberg Christopher , Lichtenstein Paul 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAlthough neurodevelopmental disorders are demarcated as discrete entities in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of mental disorders, empirical evidence indicates that there is a high degree of overlap among them. The first aim of this investigation was to explore if a single general factor could account for the large degree of observed overlap among neurodevelopmental problems, and explore whether this potential factor was primarily genetic or environmental in origin. The second aim was to explore whether there was systematic covariation, either genetic or environmental, over and above that contributed by the potential general factor, unique to each syndrome.MethodParents of all Swedish 9‐ and 12‐year‐old twin pairs born between 1992 and 2002 were targeted for interview regarding problems typical of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions (response rate: 80 percent). Structural equation modeling was conducted on 6,595 pairs to examine the genetic and environmental structure of 53 neurodevelopmental problems.ResultsOne general genetic factor accounted for a large proportion of the phenotypic covariation among the 53 symptoms. Three specific genetic subfactors identified ‘impulsivity,’ ‘learning problems,’ and ‘tics and autism,’ respectively. Three unique environment factors identified ‘autism,’ ‘hyperactivity and impulsivity,’ and ‘inattention and learning problems,’ respectively.ConclusionOne general genetic factor was responsible for the wide‐spread phenotypic overlap among all neurodevelopmental symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing broad patient needs rather than specific diagnoses. The unique genetic factors may help guide diagnostic nomenclature, whereas the unique environmental factors may highlight that neurodevelopmental symptoms are responsive to change at the individual level and may provide clues into different mechanisms and treatments. Future research would benefit from assessing the general factor separately from specific factors to better understand observed overlap among neurodevelopmental problems.
Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis of Edwardsiella piscicida isolates pathogenic to fish
Authors: Abayneh T , Colquhoun D J , Austin D , Sørum H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study describes a novel multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) based on six variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci for genotyping of 37 Edwardsiella piscicida (previously Edwardsiella tarda) isolates from multiple sources. The number of alleles identified for each of the six VNTR loci ranged from 3 to 5 with VNTR loci 1 (DI = 0.632) and 3 (DI = 0.644), displaying the highest degrees of polymorphism. MLVA typing of the 37 E. piscicida isolates resulted in the identification of five major clusters consistent with their geographical origins, and were designated as MLVA types I, II, III, IV and V. Types III and V were resolved further into subtypes largely consistent with outbreak source. An MLVA profile comprising a string of integers representing the number of tandem repeats for each allele provided a unique identification for each MLVA type and/or strain. The MLVA protocol described in the current study is robust, relatively simple, has a higher power of resolution than multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and is capable of discriminating closely related isolates.