bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of dietary change among those who successfully lost weight in phase I of the Weight Loss Maintenance Trial
Authors: McVay Megan A. , Myers Valerie H. , Vollmer William M. , Coughlin Janelle W. , Champagne Catherine M. , Dalcin Arlene T. , Funk Kristine L. , Hollis Jack F. , Jerome Gerald J. , Samuel‐Hodge Carmen D. , Stevens Victor J. , Svetkey Laura P. , Brantley Phillip J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimDietary changes occurring during weight loss interventions can vary. The present study tested if pretreatment psychosocial, dietary and demographic factors were associated with changes in fat intake and fruit and vegetable intake during a weight loss intervention.MethodsThis analysis includes participants who lost at least four kilograms during the initial six month weight loss phase (phase I) of the Weight Loss Maintenance Trial, a group format behavioural intervention emphasising a low‐fat diet and increased physical activity. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between pretreatment psychosocial, dietary, physical activity, and demographic variables and changes from pretreatment to six months in fat intake and fruit and vegetable intake.ResultsParticipants (n = 1032) were 63.4% female, 62.4% non‐African American, and had a mean age of 55.6 and BMI of 34.1 kg/m2. Being African American (P < 0.0001) and higher baseline kilojoule intake (P < 0.01) were associated with smaller reductions in fat intake. Being African American (p < 0.001) and older age (P = 0.02) were associated with smaller increases in fruit and vegetable intake, whereas a history of 10 or more past weight loss episodes of at least 10 lb (4.5 kg; P < 0.01) was associated with greater increases.ConclusionsFew psychosocial factors examined contributed to variability in dietary change. Even when achieving meaningful weight losses during a behavioural weight loss intervention, African Americans may make fewer beneficial changes in fat and fruit and vegetable intake than non‐African Americans.
Aspirational competency expectations for public health nutritionists in Australia: A consensus study
Authors: Hughes Roger , Begley Andrea , Yeatman Heather 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo assess consensus among public health nutrition (PHN) workforce development stakeholders on the competencies required for effective PHN practice in the Australian workforce context.MethodsA modified Delphi study involving two iterative survey rounds among an expert panel of 33 Australian PHN workforce development stakeholders. Surveys tested panellist ratings (essential, useful, irrelevant) of a listing of 143 competency elements derived from the literature and existing competency standards, across two survey rounds, with feedback between rounds. An arbitrary consensus cut‐off of 67% was applied with <10% change between rounds or 100% agreement interpreted as agreement stability.ResultsA total of 109 competency elements from the total list of 143 were rated as essential above the consensus cut‐off, representing 76% of the original list. Thirty‐three (33) elements were rated as essential by 100% of panellists. Approximately 90% or more of the competency elements tested were retained using the 67% cut‐off across nutrition science, nutrition communication, professional communication, capacity building and intervention management competency units. Competency elements rated as essential beyond the consensus cut‐off concentrated in the practice competency units of nutrition assessment, monitoring and surveillance, capacity building, and intervention management.ConclusionsThe results provide an empirical basis for future nutrition curriculum renewal and workforce development innovations and challenge the assumption that existing dietetic workforce preparation based on meeting entry‐level competencies is adequate for community and PHN practice.
Inhibition of α‐glucosidase and glucose intestinal absorption by Thymelaea hirsuta fractions (毛花瑞香成分对α‐糖甙酶以及肠道葡萄糖吸收的抑制作用)
Authors: Abid Sanae , Lekchiri Abdenbi , Mekhfi Hassane , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Legssyer Abdekhaleq , Aziz Mohamed , Bnouham Mohamed 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl. (Thymelaeaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Morocco to treat diabetes. In previous studies T. hirsuta has shown a potent antihyperglycemic effect. Our aim was to study the effect of the plant on α‐glucosidase inhibition and intestinal glucose absorption.MethodsFive fractions of T. hirsuta were tested, in vitro, in vivo and, in situ, to elucidate the inhibition of α‐glucosidase and intestinal glucose uptake.ResultsThe fractions induced, in vitro, a significant inhibition of α‐glucosidase. The ethyl acetate fraction (EATh) had high activity and its inhibition mode was non‐competitive. The EATh at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses, decreased significantly, in vivo, the postprandial hyperglycemia after sucrose loading in normal and diabetic mice. Moreover, 50 mg/kg of EATh significantly decreased intestinal glucose uptake, in situ, in rats.ConclusionThe antihyperglycemic effect of T. hirsuta can be explained, in part, by the inhibition of intestinal α‐glucosidase and intestinal glucose absorption.
The Influence of Status on Group Drinking by Young Adults: A Survey of Natural Drinking Groups on Their Way To and From Bars
Authors: Dumas Tara M. , Wells Samantha , Flynn Andrea , Lange James E. , Graham Kathryn 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundYoung people's social standing among friends and peers has been linked to general levels of drinking and has been shown to influence others' drinking. We extend previous research by examining young adults' status within their natural‐occurring drinking groups as a predictor of their subsequent alcohol consumption and encouragement of group members' alcohol consumption during a night out at licensed drinking establishments, a salient context for heavy drinking and alcohol‐related risk among young adults.MethodsWe recruited same‐sex young adult drinking groups (n = 104 groups; 63 all‐male; average group size = 3.4 members; Mage = 21.86) on their way to drinking establishments to complete a survey—containing measures of member‐nominated within‐group status, likeability, and self‐reported alcohol consumption—and a breathalyzer test. At the end of the evening, participants completed the same alcohol consumption measures and were asked to nominate group members who encouraged other members to drink that night.ResultsMultilevel analysis revealed that higher‐status members engaged in the most alcohol consumption (via both self‐report and breathalyzer) but in heavier drinking groups only. Higher‐status members also encouraged the most alcohol consumed by others, regardless of levels of group drinking. Further, even though being liked by one's peers was positively related to intoxication that night, it did not account for the significant relationship between within‐group status and drinking.ConclusionsResults suggest that peer‐related prevention programs for young adults' problem drinking may benefit from focusing on the structure and dynamic of young people's drinking groups. Also, programs targeting peer norms may be more successful if they incorporate status‐related issues.
The evolving role of a gynaecologic oncologist in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Acton Jade , Leung Yee , Tan Jason , Salfinger Stuart 
Published: November 2013

IntroductionWhilst the prime role of a gynaecologic oncologist is the comprehensive management of women with a gynaecologic cancer, their surgical skills are increasingly utilised for general gynaecological and obstetric surgery. Within tertiary centres, there is increasing provision of support by gynaecologic oncologists for both emergency and complex elective cases.AimThe aim of the study was to investigate and define the expanding role of the gynaecologic oncologist within obstetrics and gynaecology.MethodA retrospective analysis of all nongynaecological oncology unit cases from 2006 to 2012 which required the presence of a gynaecologic oncologist in the operating theatre.ResultsA wide variety of cases that required the involvement of a gynaecologic oncologist were identified. These ranged from complications such as bowel injuries and haemorrhage to gynaecological surgeries in complicated patients, and obstetric patients with placenta accreta and intra‐operative diagnosis of unexpected malignancy.ConclusionThe role of the gynaecologic oncologist within a tertiary centre is expanding to include the provision of support to general gynaecologists and obstetricians. There is increasing utilisation of the gynaecologic oncologist whereby their attendance is often pre‐arranged prior to the surgery. However, emergency cases requiring their assistance are not uncommon.
Behavior of Lyophilized Biological Valves in a Chronic Animal Model
Authors: Maizato Marina J.S. , Taniguchi Fabio P. , Ambar Rafael F. , Pitombo Ronaldo N.M. , Leirner Adolfo A. , Cestari Idágene A. , Stolf Noedir A.G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGlutaraldehyde is used in order to improve the mechanical and immunogenic properties of biological tissues, such as bovine pericardium membranes, used to manufacture heart valve bioprostheses. Lyophilization, also known as freeze‐drying, preserves biological material without damage by freezing the water content and removing ice by sublimation. Through this process, dehydrated products of high quality may be obtained; also, the material may be easily handled. The lyophilization process reduces aldehyde residues in biological tissue previously treated with glutaraldehyde, thus promoting reduction of cytotoxicity, increasing resistance to inflammation, and possibly decreasing the potential for tissue calcification. The objective of this study was to chronically evaluate the calcification of bovine pericardium heart valve prostheses, previously lyophilized or not, in an animal model. Six‐month‐old sheep received implants of lyophilized and unlyophilized heart valve prostheses in the pulmonary position with right bypass. The study followed 16 animals for a period of 90 days. Right ventricle–pulmonary artery (RV/PA) transvalvular pressure gradient was evaluated before and immediately after implantation and before explantation, as were tissue calcium, inflammation intensity, and thrombosis and pannus formation. The t‐test was used for statistical analysis. Twelve animals survived to the end of the experiment, but one of the animals in the control group had endocarditis and was excluded from the data. Four animals died early. The mean RV/PA gradient on implantation was 2.0 ± 1.6 mm Hg in the control group and 6.2 ± 4.1 mm Hg in the lyophilized group (P = 0.064). This mean gradient increased at explantation to 7.7 ± 3.9 mm Hg and 8.6 ± 5.8 mm Hg, respectively (P = 0.777). The average calcium content in the tissue leaflets after 3 months was 21.6 ± 39.1 mg Ca2+/g dry weight in the control group, compared with an average content of 41.2 ± 46.9 mg Ca2+/g dry weight in the lyophilized group (P = 0.478). In this experimental study there was no reduction of calcification after lyophilization. However, histological analysis showed less inflammation over the lyophilized tissue when compared with the control.
Hjalmar Schiøtz, the great Norwegian innovator and his ophthalmoscope
Authors: Keeler C. Richard , Helland Magne , Albert Daniel M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRecently, the authors encountered an intriguing and largely incomplete ophthalmoscope. The quest to identify and restore it led to a re‐evaluation of the evolution of the modern‐day ophthalmoscope and a re‐examination of the life and contributions of its inventor, the Norwegian ophthalmologist Hjalmar August Schiøtz.
Structural and floristic diversity of mixed tropical rain forest in New Caledonia: new data from the New Caledonian Plant Inventory and Permanent Plot Network (NC‐PIPPN)
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Munzinger Jérôme , Dagostini Gilles , Hequet Vanessa , Rigault Frédéric , Jaffré Tanguy , Birnbaum Philippe 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsTo describe the structural and floristic diversity of New Caledonian mixed tropical rain forest and investigate its environmental determinants.LocationNew Caledonia (SW Pacific), a biodiversity hotspot.MethodsStructural (stem density, basal area) and floristic characteristics (composition, species richness and dissimilarity) were investigated along environmental gradients (elevation, rainfall and slope) on different substrates (ultramafic and non‐ultramafic) through the New Caledonian Plant Inventory and Permanent Plots Network (NC‐PIPPN, 201 plots each measuring 20 m x 20 m).ResultsA total of 28,640 trees (DBH ≥5 cm) belonging to 749 species, 240 genera and 92 families were inventoried in the NC‐PIPPN. The New Caledonian mixed rain forest studied was characterized as having high stem density, basal area and species richness, and many small stems (60% of the trees <10 cm DBH and almost a quarter of species did not exceed this threshold). More than one‐third of the species were rare (i.e. inventoried in less than three plots or represented by fewer than three individuals) in the plot network and floristic dissimilarity was high (Bray–Curtis index >0.70). The presence of ultramafic (UM) and non‐ ultramafic substrates (non‐UM) combined with altitudinal and rainfall gradients were the main drivers of floristic dissimilarity, whereas the effect of geographic distance between the plots was surprisingly low. Floristic dissimilarity was very high between UM and non‐UM substrates from species up to family level. About 75% of the species occurred on a single substrate type. The mixed rain forest on UM and non‐UM substrates differed in floristic composition but not in structure.ConclusionsNC‐PIPPN proved to be an effective tool for investigating the woody species richness of New Caledonia as containing ca. 46% of its non‐herbaceous species. However, the network's design, and more specifically its small plots, restricts its capacity to capture beta diversity and forest structure. High species richness and floristic dissimilarity confirm that New Caledonian mixed rain forest is exceptionally rich.
A New Algorithm for Weekly Phenprocoumon Dose Variation in a Southern Brazilian Population: Role for CYP2C9, CYP3A4/5 and VKORC1 Genes Polymorphisms
Authors: Botton Mariana R. , Viola Patrícia P. , Bandinelli Eliane , Leiria Tiago L. L. , Rohde Luis E. P. , Hutz Mara H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPhenprocoumon is widely used in prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. However, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics vary according to several genetic and non‐genetic factors. Phenprocoumon metabolism is mediated by CYP2C9 and CYP3A enzymes. Moreover, VKORC1 is phenprocoumon target of action. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genes with the variance of weekly phenprocoumon dose as well as to develop an algorithm for dose prediction based on genetic and environmental factors. A total of 198 patients with stable phenprocoumon dose, 81% of European ancestry, were investigated. Genotypes were determined by allelic discrimination with TaqMan assays. Polymorphisms −1639G>A and 1173C>T in VKORC1 and the presence of CYP2C9*2 and/or CYP2C9*3 are associated with lower doses. On the other hand, 3730G>A in VKORC1 gene is associated with higher doses. No association was found between CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A5*6 polymorphisms. Among non‐genetic factors, gender, height, age and use of captopril, omeprazole, simvastatin and β‐blockers are associated with dose. Two algorithms were derived: one for the whole sample explained 42% of dose variation and one for patients of European ancestry only which explained 46% of phenprocoumon dose. The mean absolute difference between observed and predicted dose was low in both models (3.92 mg/week and 3.54 mg/week, for models 1 and 2, respectively). However, more studies with other genes and environmental factors are needed to test and to improve the algorithm.
Ontogeny of CYP3A and P‐Glycoprotein in the Liver and the Small Intestine of the Göttingen Minipig: An Immunohistochemical Evaluation
Authors: Van Peer Els , Verbueken Evy , Saad Moayad , Casteleyn Christophe , Van Ginneken Chris , Van Cruchten Steven 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDespite the increasing use of the minipig as a non‐rodent species in general and juvenile toxicity studies, knowledge on their biotransformation processes and their ontogeny is scarce. Such data are prerequisite for the correct interpretation of non‐clinical studies in this species. Therefore, the aim of our investigation was to immunohistochemically document the presence of the drug transporter P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) and the metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A subfamily in the livers (n = 115) and the small intestines (n = 74) of foetal, neonatal, juvenile and adult Göttingen minipigs. Pgp was expressed in the liver in all age groups, whereas its presence in the jejunum was detected from 86 days of gestation onwards. Low expression of CYP3A was detected in the jejunums and livers from foetal and neonatal piglets. During postnatal development, the immunoreactivity for CYP3A increased in both organs. A centrilobular pattern, with a more intense staining for CYP3A of the hepatocytes surrounding the central vein, was noticed in the postnatal livers. In conclusion, the presented data suggest that the intestinal and hepatic ontogeny of P‐glycoprotein and CYP3A in minipigs corresponds to that in man, in which a similar spatio‐temporal expression has been reported.
Meta‐analysis of predictors of favorable employment outcomes among individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Tse Samson , Chan Sunny , Ng King Lam , Yatham Lakshmi N 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesAlthough several studies have reported on predictors of employment in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD), the magnitude of the impact of these variables is unclear as no previous studies have estimated the collective effect sizes (ESs). The present meta‐analysis estimated ESs and explored which of these variables are associated with positive employment outcomes.MethodsWe searched for articles published between 2000 and 2011 that reported associations between sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial, and/or cognitive variables with employment outcomes in BD. Of the 781 articles identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis (n = 6,301). Weighted correlation coefficients (r‐index) were computed as ESs for each of the predictor variables, which were grouped into six categories: cognitive performance, symptomatology, sociodemographic factors, course of illness, clinical variables, and other personal factors. The overall ES (Rw) was estimated by assuming random‐effect models. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to determine the robustness of the findings.ResultsSignificant predictors of favorable employment outcomes included: cognitive performance (e.g., verbal memory, Rw = 0.33; executive function, Rw = 0.26), sociodemographic factors (e.g., years of education, Rw = 0.23), course of illness (e.g., number of lifetime psychiatric hospitalizations, Rw = −0.35), symptomatology (e.g., depression, Rw = −0.25), and other personal factors (e.g., personality disorder, Rw = −0.49).ConclusionsOverall, the cognitive performance and course of illness had larger average ESs than symptomatology or sociodemographic factors on favorable employment outcomes. These findings may help to guide the design of more effective work interventions for people with BD.
Expression of ZAP70 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia activates NF‐κB signalling
Authors: Pede Valerie , Rombout Ans , Vermeire Jolien , Naessens Evelien , Vanderstraeten Hanne , Philippé Jan , Verhasselt Bruno 
Published: November 2013

SummaryChronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a disease with a highly variable prognosis. The clinical course can however be predicted thanks to prognostic markers. Poor prognosis is associated with expression of a B cell receptor (BCR) from unmutated immunoglobulin variable heavy‐chain genes (IGHV) and expression of zeta‐associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP70). The reason why ZAP70 expression is associated with poor prognosis and whether the protein has a direct pathogenic function is at present unknown. By transfer of ZAP70 to CLL cells, we show here that expression of ZAP70 in CLL cells leads to increased expression of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB target genes interleukin‐1β (IL1B), IL6 and IL8 upon BCR triggering. This could be blocked by inhibition of NF‐κB signalling through inhibition of IκB kinases (IKK). Transcriptome analysis identified a NF‐κB RELA signature imposed by ZAP70 expression in BCR‐stimulated CLL cells. We conclude that ZAP70 acts directly as an amplifier of NF‐κB signalling in CLL cells which could be an underlying mechanism for its association with poor prognosis and which may represent a therapeutic target.
A nomogram including baseline prognostic factors to estimate the activity of second‐line therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Pond Gregory R. , Agarwal Neeraj , Bellmunt Joaquim , Choueiri Toni K. , Qu Angela , Fougeray Ronan , Vaughn David , James Nicholas D. , Salhi Yacine , Albers Peter , Niegisch Günter , Galsky Matthew D. , Wong Yu‐Ning , Ko Yoo‐Joung , Stadler Walter M. , O'Donnell Peter H. , Sridhar Srikala S. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Necchi Andrea , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Sternberg Cora N. , Mehta Amitkumar , Sonpavde Guru 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo study the impact of the prognostic factors liver metastasis (LM), anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb] <10 g/dL), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG‐PS) ≥1 and time from previous chemotherapy (TFPC) on the activity of second‐line therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC).Patients and MethodsTwelve phase II trials evaluating second‐line chemotherapy and/or biological characteristics (n = 748) in patients with progressive disease were pooled.Progression‐free survival (PFS) was defined as tumour progression or death from any cause.The PFS rate at 6 months (PFS6) was defined from the date of registration and calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.Response rate (RR) was defined using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) 1.0.A nomogram predicting PFS6 was constructed using the rms software package in R (http://www.r‐project.org).ResultsData regarding progression, anaemia, LM, ECOG‐PS and TFPC were available from 570 patients in nine phase II trials.The overall median PFS was 2.7 months, PFS6 was 22.2% (95% confidence interval 18.8–25.9) and the RR was 17.5% (95% CI: 14.5–20.9%).For every unit increase in risk group, the hazard of progression in 6 months increased by 41% and the odds of response decreased by 48%.A nomogram was constructed to predict PFS6 on an individual patient level.The model was internally validated and was shown to have acceptable calibration performance.ConclusionsThe RR and PFS6 vary as a function of baseline prognostic factors in patients receiving second‐line therapy for advanced UC.A nomogram incorporating prognostic factors facilitates the evaluation of outcomes across phase II trials enrolling heterogeneous populations and helps select suitable agents for phase III testing.