bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep timing and longitudinal weight gain in 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Scharf R. J. , DeBoer M. D. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackground and ObjectiveShort night‐time sleep duration is a possible factor contributing to childhood obesity. Our objective was to evaluate associations between sleep timing (including bedtime and waketime) and weight gain in 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children.MethodsWe used cross‐sectional and longitudinal regression analyses of a large, nationally representative sample of children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort. Data regarding the timing and duration of weekday sleep were assessed via parent questionnaire. Short sleep duration, late bedtime and early waketime were defined as those greater than one standard deviation from the mean for the group.ResultsUsing linear regression adjusted for confounders, sleep duration at 4 and 5 years and bedtime at 5 years were linked to body mass index (BMI) z‐score (P < 0.001). Odds of obesity were higher at 4 years for children sleeping <9.44 h nightly (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, confidence interval 1.02–1.78, P < 0.05) and at 5 years for children going to bed at 9:00 pm or later (1.49, 1.16–1.45, P < 0.01) or waking before 6:30 am (1.23, 1.01–15.51, P < 0.05). Assessed longitudinally, both short sleep duration (P < 0.05) and later bedtime at 4 years (P < 0.01) were associated with increases in BMI z‐score between 4 and 5 years.ConclusionsChildren with shorter night‐time sleep durations and later bedtimes were more likely to be obese and to gain weight over time. Pediatricians should encourage families to place children to bed at earlier times to promote longer sleep duration as a potential means of controlling weight gain.
Relationship Between Elevated Morning Blood Pressure Surge, Uric Acid, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Turak Osman , Afsar Baris , Ozcan Firat , Canpolat Ugur , Grbovic Enis , Mendi Mehmet Ali , Oksuz Fatih , Siriopol Dimitrie , Covic Adrian , Caliskan Mustafa , McFann Kim , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet 
Published: June 2014

Early morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events (CVEs), but the relationship with uric acid is not well understood. The authors aimed to determine the association between MBPS and increased uric acid and the effect of elevated MBPS and uric acid combination on CVEs. A total of 921 patients underwent 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and were followed for a median of 40 months. During this period, 103 (11.2%) CVEs occurred. There was a significant relationship between increasing quartiles of serum uric acid level and increasing values of MBPS (P<.0001). Patients in the highest quartile stratified by elevated MBPS and serum uric acid level had a 3.55 odds of major CVE compared with patients in the lowest quartile. Serum uric acid is associated with MBPS and development of new CVEs.
The effects of a diet rich in inulin or wheat fibre on markers of cardiovascular disease in overweight male subjects
Authors: Tripkovic L. , Muirhead N. C. , Hart K. H. , Frost G. S. , Lodge J. K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggest that the beneficial health effects of a diet rich in whole grains could be a result of the individual fibres found in the grain. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of a diet high in either wheat fibre (as an example of an insoluble fibre) or inulin (a nondigestible carbohydrate) on markers of cardiovascular disease.MethodsTen male participants classified as at higher risk of cardiovascular disease [mean (SD) body mass index 30.2 (3) kg m−2, mean (SD) waist circumference 106.4 (7) cm, mean (SD) age 39.8 (9) years] were recruited to a randomised, controlled, cross‐over study comparing the consumption of bespoke bread rolls containing either inulin, wheat germ or refined grain (control) (15 g day−1) for 4 weeks with a 4‐week washout period between each regime. At the end of each regime, participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), measures of pulse wave velocity (PWV), 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP), plasma lipid status and markers of glucose control.ResultsThere was no difference in measures of glucose control, lipid status, 24‐h AMBP or PWV after the intervention periods and no changes compared to baseline. There was no significant difference between OGTT glucose and insulin time profiles; however, there was a significant difference in area under the curves between the wheat fibre and control interventions when comparing change from baseline (control +10.2%, inulin +4.3%, wheat fibre −2.5%; P = 0.03).ConclusionsOnly limited differences between the interventions were identified, perhaps as a consequence of the amount of fibre used and intervention length. The wheat germ intervention resulted in a significant reduction in glucose area under the curve, suggesting that this fibre may aid glucose control.
The effects of brand popularity as an advertising cue on perceived quality in the context of internet shopping
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hern , Min Dongwon 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBrand popularity as a descriptive norm has been used as an advertising cue by internet malls. It is based on the assumption that consumers prefer brands with popularity claims because they perceive the popularity claim results from superior quality. However, little research has been done on how popularity cues affect perceived quality in internet shopping contexts. Particularly, the interaction effect between brand popularity and price on the quality perception has never been investigated. This research presents the results of two experiments showing that brand popularity and price have an interaction effect on the estimation of sales, which in turn influences perceived quality. Only when consumers believe that the sales volume is high would the perceived quality increase. This research also analyzes the manner in which brand popularity reduces consumers' perceived risk in purchase decision‐making.
The phonological planning in Mandarin spoken production of mono‐ and bimorphemic words
Authors: Chen Train‐Min , Chen Jenn‐Yeu 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA spoken word is a linearized sequence of sounds; therefore, speakers must always start with the beginning portion of a word when preparing to speak it. This is not only true for producing a simplex word like “bandit,” but has been shown to be true for producing a compound word such as “weekday.” We investigated whether this word‐onset‐first planning strategy was also observed in Mandarin Chinese. The form preparation paradigm was used. The first morpheme of a disyllabic compound word served as the prompt to cue the participants to produce the second morpheme. The second morphemes of the compound words shared the same segmental syllables or did not. A significant preparation effect was observed in Experiment 1 and replicated in Experiment 2. Experiment 3 using the first character to cue the second character of a monomorpheme two‐character word also found a significant preparation effect. The results indicated that compound words are not processed in the same way in English and Mandarin Chinese. Potential accounts are discussed of the cross‐language difference.
Hydroxyl Fasudil, an Inhibitor of Rho Signaling, Improves Erectile Function in Diabetic Rats: A Role for Neuronal ROCK
Authors: Sezen Sena F. , Lagoda Gwen , Musicki Biljana , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The pathogenesis of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) includes neuropathy, but the molecular basis for neurogenic ED is incompletely understood. The RhoA/ROCK pathway has been implicated in diabetic neuropathy and in ED, but its role in diabetic neurogenic ED is not known.

Aims
The aim of this study was to determine whether hydroxyl fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, affects diabetic neuropathy-related ED.

Methods
Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in male rats by streptozotocin (75 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). After 8 weeks, diabetic rats were administered hydroxyl fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor (10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) or vehicle, for 4 weeks. Age-matched control, nondiabetic, rats were treated intraperitoneally for 4 weeks with saline. At week 12, after a 2 day washout, neuro-stimulated erectile function was evaluated. Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were collected for Western blot analysis of RhoA, ROCK-1, ROCK-2, phospho (P)-AKT (Ser473), and P-phosphatase and tensin homolog (P-PTEN) (Ser380/Thr382/383).

Main Outcome Measures
Effect of ROCK inhibitor hydroxyl fasudil on erectile function and ROCK/P-AKT/P-PTEN pathway in the MPG of diabetic rats.

Results
Erectile response was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced in diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic rats and was preserved (P &lt; 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with hydroxyl fasudil. In diabetic rats, RhoA and ROCK-2 protein expressions in MPG were increased (P &lt; 0.05) and remained increased in hydroxyl fasudil-treated rats. P-AKT (Ser473) expression was decreased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas P-PTEN (Ser380/Thr382/383) expression was increased (P &lt; 0.05) in MPG of diabetic rats compared with nondiabetic rats, and both were reversed (P &lt; 0.05) in diabetic rats treated with hydroxyl fasudil.

Conclusion
Improved erectile function and restored P-AKT and P-PTEN in the MPG with hydroxyl fasudil treatment suggest the role of Rho signaling via PTEN/AKT pathway in neurogenic diabetic ED.
A comprehensive hepatitis C virus risk factors meta‐analysis (1989–2013); Do they differ in Egypt?
Authors: El‐Ghitany Engy Mohamed , Abdel Wahab Moataza M. , Abd El‐Wahab Ekram W. , Hassouna Safaa , Farghaly Azza G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe prevention and control of HCV infection is complex and challenging in terms of describing risk factors and modes of transmission. This meta‐analysis was conducted to summarize the best available data on HCV risk factors worldwide and in Egypt.MethodsThrough exhaustive literature searches (1989–2013) of HCV risk factors, 357 original eligible articles were included in this study.ResultsThe highest detected risk was intravenous drug users (IDUs) (OR = 9.6) followed by HIV infection (OR = 4.9), having an IDU partner (OR = 4.1), HBV infection (OR = 3.5), Caesarean section (CS) (OR = 3.35), blood transfusion (OR = 3.2) and having an HCV+ partner (OR = 3). Organ transplantation, hospital admission, haemodialysis and having a sexually transmitted infection carry 2.96, 2.4, 2.18 and 2 risks of having HCV respectively. Other significant risk factors included poor education, older age, sharing sharp or blunt objects, MSM, tattooing, hijama, body piercing, minor operations and medical procedures. Some risks showed a decrease over the previous decade, including blood transfusion, organ transplantation, IDUs, IDU partner and CS. Others showed rising risks, including having an HCV+ partner, MSM and suffering from STI. In Egypt, male gender, rural residence, acupuncture and receiving parenteral antischistosomal treatment were significant risks, while neither HIV nor HBV were found to carry a risk of HCV infection.ConclusionBlood transfusion, organ transplantation, CS, IDUs, haemodialysis, minor operations and medical procedures are established risk factors. Attention and urgent intervention should be given to the sexual route of transmission, as well as that through minor operations and medical procedures.
Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination X: Impact speeds and directions of interstellar grains on the Stardust dust collector
Authors: Sterken Veerle J. , Westphal Andrew J. , Altobelli Nicolas , Grün Eberhard , Hillier Jon K. , Postberg Frank , Srama Ralf , Allen Carlton , Anderson David , Ansari Asna , Bajt Saša , Bastien Ron S. , Bassim Nabil , Bechtel Hans A. , Borg Janet , Brenker Frank E. , Bridges John , Brownlee Donald E. , Burchell Mark , Burghammer Manfred , Butterworth Anna L. , Changela Hitesh , Cloetens Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Doll Ryan , Floss Christine , Flynn George , Frank David , Gainsforth Zack , Heck Philipp R. , Hoppe Peter , Hudson Bruce , Huth Joachim , Hvide Brit , Kearsley Anton , King Ashley J. , Lai Barry , Leitner Jan , Lemelle Laurence , Leroux Hugues , Leonard Ariel , Lettieri Robert , Marchant William , Nittler Larry R. , Ogliore Ryan , Ong Wei Ja , Price Mark C. , Sandford S. A. , Tresseras Juan‐Angel Sans , Schmitz Sylvia , Schoonjans Tom , Silversmit Geert , Simionovici Alexandre , Solé Vicente A. , Stephan Thomas , Stodolna Julien , Stroud Rhonda M. , Sutton Steven , Trieloff Mario , Tsou Peter , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tyliszczak Tolek , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Korff Joshua Von , Wordsworth Naomi , Zevin Daniel , Zolensky Michael E. ,   > 30,000 Stardust@home dusters
Published: June 2014

AbstractOn the basis of an interstellar dust model compatible with Ulysses and Galileo observations, we calculate and predict the trajectories of interstellar dust (ISD) in the solar system and the distribution of the impact speeds, directions, and flux of ISD particles on the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector during the two collection periods of the mission. We find that the expected impact velocities are generally low (<10 km s−1) for particles with the ratio of the solar radiation pressure force to the solar gravitational force β > 1, and that some of the particles will impact on the cometary side of the collector. If we assume astronomical silicates for particle material and a density of 2 g cm−3, and use the Ulysses measurements and the ISD trajectory simulations, we conclude that the total number of (detectable) captured ISD particles may be on the order of 50. In companion papers in this volume, we report the discovery of three interstellar dust candidates in the Stardust aerogel tiles. The impact directions and speeds of these candidates are consistent with those calculated from our ISD propagation model, within the uncertainties of the model and of the observations.
De Lubac, Grace, and the Pure Nature Debate
Authors: Grumett David 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHenri de Lubac's doctrine of grace and nature emerged out of the pastoral and sacramental context of confession. Although recent critics have assumed a Thomist setting, a close reading shows that the doctrine is rooted in de Lubac's critical engagement with Augustinianism. In the form of Jansenism and drawing especially on Augustine's late, anti‐Pelagian writings, this sensibility pervaded modern French theology. Notwithstanding its distorted conceptions of grace's mode of operation and of human nature, Jansenism provoked de Lubac into developing new understandings of the relation between belief and knowledge, and of theological anthropology. In advocating for the continuity of Augustine's theology, de Lubac made an important contribution to Augustine scholarship. His resulting doctrine of grace and nature, in which the person of Adam is central, has wider, abiding theological salience.
Filaggrin Gene Mutations in African Americans with Both Ichthyosis Vulgaris and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Polcari Ingrid , Becker Lauren , Stein Sarah L. , Smith Marilyn S. , Paller Amy S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) and ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) are two common disorders of epidermal homeostasis resulting in dry skin. The profilaggrin gene, located on chromosome 1q22, encodes a keratin filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) that is essential to forming the epidermal barrier and maintaining hydration. Null mutations in filaggrin have been found to underlie IV and are common in patients with AD, but the minority of African Americans with AD or IV show these mutations in filaggrin. We have selectively studied African Americans with both AD and IV to maximize the possibility of finding filaggrin null mutations in this population. DNA was collected using buccal swabs from 18 African American children with both AD and IV and 17 African American controls without either of these diseases. Purified genomic DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction from three regions of the filaggrin gene, exon 3, including R501X, 2282del4, E2554X, R2447X, 1249insG, R826X, 2767insT, and E2422X. Of the African American children with both AD and IV, 22.2% were heterozygous for filaggrin null mutations. Out of the control group, one carried a null mutation and was later discovered to have a history of asthma. Null mutations found in this population included R501X (n = 1), 2282del4 (n = 2), and R826X (n = 2, including the control patient). Our data demonstrate a prevalence of filaggrin mutations in the African American population that exceeds previously published data, although the overall prevalence is still lower than in other populations. It is likely that factors other than known FLG mutations are involved in African American patients.
Recent Advances in the Genetics and Management of Harlequin Ichthyosis
Authors: Ahmed Hera , O'Toole Edel A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHarlequin ichthyosis (HI) is the most severe and devastating form of the autosomal recessive congenital ichthyoses (ARCIs). Mutations in the ABCA12 gene result in disruption of intercellular lipid deposition in the stratum corneum and a major skin barrier defect. Patients present at birth, often premature, with cutaneous thick, yellow, hyperkeratotic plates with deep erythematous fissures, causing a typical facial appearance. Harlequin ichthyosis has often been considered to be fatal, and management tends to be palliative, but follow‐up of 45 affected infants has shown that with good neonatal care and early introduction of oral retinoids, survival rates are improving. Because ABCA12 mutations have been identified, known carriers are able to undergo preventative preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing. Experimental studies have shown recovery of lipid secretion in lamellar granules using corrective gene therapy. Further research is needed to develop alternative therapies to retinoids in HI.
B‐type natriuretic peptide trends after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Sparks Joshua D. , Boston Umar , Eghtesady Pirooz , Canter Charles E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBNP is increasingly utilized in the management of pediatric HT recipients. Performing a retrospective single‐center chart review, we sought to describe BNP changes during the first year after HT and identify factors that affect its trend. After exclusion for rejection, 316 BNP levels from 50 patients were evaluated. BNP underwent an exponential decline 120 days after HT followed by a plateau. Log10BNP decline strongly correlated with time (r = −0.70, p < 0.0001). Initial BNP was less in pretransplant VAD (p = 0.0016) and lower post‐HT inotrope use (p = 0.0043). Infant recipients, IT >4 h, and those bridged medically were associated with higher plateau BNP. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated IT >4 h independently predicted plateau BNP in the upper quartile (OR 7.1, p = 0.02). No significant change in BNP coincided with rejection (N = 6 patients) without severe hemodynamic compromise. BNP correlated modestly with right atrial pressure (r = 0.4652, p < 0.0001) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.2660, p < 0.001), but poorly with echocardiogram (r = −0.18, p = 0.003). Trending BNP could help provide insight into how the graft recovers after HT and IT >4 h independently predicted higher plateau BNP and may reflect subtle changes in graft performance.
Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for recurrent fundal gastric variceal bleeding in an adolescent
Authors: Rosen Danya , Chu Jaime , Patel Rahul , Moon Jang , Iyer Kishore , Arnon Ronen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGastric variceal bleeding is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is a relatively new treatment used to control bleeding gastric varices that involves transvenous sclerosis of gastric varices through a spontaneous gastrorenal shunt. Here, we report on a 14‐yr‐old patient that underwent balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for refractory bleeding fundal varices in the setting of esophageal varices and cirrhosis, which did not respond to medical management or endoscopic injection. This case report serves as a reminder that balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration can successfully control fundal variceal bleeding in pediatric patients and may serve as a bridge to liver transplantation.
Effects of a multimodality blood conservation schema toward improvement of intraoperative hemoglobin levels and off‐pump transfusions in coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Tran Minh‐Ha , Lin David M. , Wilcox Tanya , Schiro Dana , Cannesson Maxime , Milliken Jeffrey 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundCardiothoracic surgery places significant demands on blood bank resources. Measures aimed at reducing intraoperative hemodilution were initiated as part of a blood conservation program.Study Design and MethodsWe initiated a series of measures aimed at reducing hemodilution volume: 1) reduction of intravenous fluid (IVF) volume, 2) reduction of circuit size, and 3) use of autologous priming techniques. All sources and volumes of IVF were obtained from the medical record. Intraoperative hematocrit (Hct) measurements were performed at the following intervals: first in operating room (OR), lowest on‐pump, last on‐pump, after protamine reversal, and immediately before discharge from OR. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were recorded. Intraoperative IVF, Hct levels, and transfusions were analyzed by cardiopulmonary bypass phase (prepump, on‐pump, and off‐pump), comparing preimplementation and postimplementation periods.ResultsTotal intraoperative IVF volume was reduced by 973.7 mL (95% confidence interval, 671.6‐1275.9 mL; p < 0.001) leading to a mean on‐pump Hct improvement of more than 2% (p < 0.004). This contributed to a reduction in off‐pump RBC transfusions by 20.6% (p = 0.014). A significant degree of heterogeneity in transfusion practice was noted between anesthesiologists.ConclusionsBlood conservation efforts in cardiac surgery should include efforts aimed at reducing hemodilution. Potential improvements are blunted by variation in transfusion practice.
Role for Gr-1+Cells in the Control of High-Dose Mycobacterium bovis Recombinant BCG
Authors: Panas Michael W. , Letvin Norman L. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an attractive target for development as a live vaccine vector delivering transgenic antigens from HIV and other pathogens. Most studies aimed at defining the clearance of BCG have been performed at doses between 102and 104CFU. Interestingly, however, recombinant BCG (rBCG) administered at doses of >106CFU effectively generates antigen-specific T-cell responses and primes for heterologous boost responses. Thus, defining clearance at high doses might aid in the optimization of rBCG as a vector. In this study, we used bioluminescence imaging to examine the kinetics of rBCG transgene expression and clearance in mice immunized with 5 × 107CFU rBCG expressing luciferase. Similar to studies using low-dose rBCG, our results demonstrate that the adaptive immune response is necessary for long-term control of rBCG beginning 9 days after immunizing mice. However, in contrast to these reports, we observed that the majority of mycobacterial antigen was eliminated prior to day 9. By examining knockout and antibody-mediated depletion mouse models, we demonstrate that the rapid clearance of rBCG occurs in the first 24 h and is mediated by Gr-1+cells. As Gr-1+granulocytes have been described as having no impact on BCG clearance at low doses, our results reveal an unappreciated role for Gr-1+neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in the clearance of high-dose rBCG. This work demonstrates the potential of applying bioluminescence imaging to rBCG in order to gain an understanding of the immune response and increase the efficacy of rBCG as a vaccine vector.