bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonic Manometry and Colonic Scintigraphy as a Diagnostic Tool for Children With Severe Constipation
Authors: Mugie Suzanne M. , Perez Maria E. , Burgers Rosa , Hingsbergen Elizabeth A. , Punati Jaya , Mousa Hayat , Benninga Marc A. , Di Lorenzo Carlo 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:In adults, colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy are both valuable studies in discriminating normal and abnormal colonic motility. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield and tolerability of colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy in children with severe constipation.Methods:Twenty‐six children (mean age 11.4 years, 77% boys) who had received colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy as part of a colonic motility evaluation were included. Manometry was performed as per department protocol. After swallowing a methacrylate‐coated capsule containing indium‐111, images were taken at 4, 24, and 48 hours, and geometric centers were calculated. Results of both tests were categorized in 3 groups: normal, abnormal function in the distal part of the colon, and colonic inertia. Cohen κ was used for the level of agreement. Patients and parents completed a questionnaire regarding their experience.Results:Colonic scintigraphy showed normal transit time in 20%, delay in the distal colon in 48%, and colonic inertia in 32% of patients. Colonic manometry was normal in 40%, abnormal in the distal colon in 40%, and colonic inertia was diagnosed in 20%. The κ score was 0.34. All 5 patients with colonic inertia during manometry had a similar result by scintigraphy. Eighty‐eight percent of patients preferred scintigraphy over manometry and 28% of parents preferred colonic manometry over scintigraphy.Conclusions:Colonic manometry and colonic scintigraphy have a fair agreement regarding the categorization of constipation. Scintigraphy is well tolerated in pediatric patients and may be a useful tool in the evaluation of children with severe constipation.
Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Children
Authors: Moshe Galit , Amitai Yona , Korchia Gerard , Korchia Levana , Tenenbaum Ariel , Rosenblum Joseph , Schechter Avi 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to study the relative contribution of dietary sources of iron in children with high prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency (ID).Methods:A cross‐sectional study in 263 healthy, 1.5‐ to 6‐year‐old children in the Jewish sector of Jerusalem, Israel. Venous blood samples and a qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire on iron‐rich foods were obtained. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11 g/dL for children younger than 4 years and <11.5 g/dL for children older than 4 years; ID was defined as ferritin <12 μg/L.Results:Anemia was found in 11.2%, ID in 22%, and iron‐deficiency anemia in 3.7%. The prevalence of anemia was higher in toddlers ages 1.5 to 3 years compared with children ages 3 to 6 years (17.7% vs 7.3%, P = 0.01). Children with extremely low red meat consumption (seldom) had 4‐fold higher rates of ID than those who consumed ≥2 times per week (odds ratio 3.98; 95% confidence interval 1.21–13.03; P = 0.023), whereas poultry consumption was not associated with ID. Soy consumption was inversely associated with ferritin (marginally significant, r = −0.134, P = 0.057).Conclusions:The high prevalence of anemia and ID found in this study, mainly in children 1.5 to 3 years old, is related to low red meat consumption. The characteristically high poultry consumption in the Israeli population was not protective. The shift toward reduced red meat consumption and higher poultry consumption in developed countries may result in increasing the risk of ID.
Association of INSIG2 rs9308762 With ALT Level Independent of BMI
Authors: Guan Li , Shang Xiao‐Rui , Liu Fang‐Hong , Song Jie‐Yun , Ma Jun , Wang Hai‐Jun 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:An increasing number of people are at risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Because obesity is a risk factor for NAFLD, the common variants of obesity‐susceptible genes may be associated with NAFLD. Our aim was to identify whether the obesity‐susceptible gene variants (rs9939609, rs9930506, and rs4783819 in fat mass and obesity‐associated gene (FTO); rs12970134 and rs17782313 in melanocortin‐4 receptor gene (MC4R); and rs7566605, rs13428113, and rs9308762 in insulin‐induced gene 2 [INSIG2]) were associated with NAFLD.Methods:The case‐control study recruited 1027 Chinese children ages 7 to 18 years, including 162 children with NAFLD and 865 children without NAFLD. Anthropometric measurements, alanine transaminase (ALT) detection, liver ultrasound examination, and genotyping of 8 gene variants were performed.Results:The A‐allele of FTO rs9939609 was associated with increased NAFLD risk (P = 0.029, odds ratio 1.43), but was not significant after being adjusted for body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.268). We also found an association between the 2 variants (rs12970134 in MC4R and rs9308762 in INSIG2) and ALT level. For rs12970134, each additional A‐allele increased ALT level by 1.87 IU/L (P = 0.032). For rs9308762, the homozygotes of the C‐allele had a higher ALT level than the T‐allele carriers (β = 3.19, P = 0.007). After adjustment for BMI, the former association did not exist, whereas the latter reminded significant (P = 0.003).Conclusions:The FTO rs9939609 A‐allele increased risk of NAFLD and MC4R rs12970134 was associated with ALT level through an effect on BMI. The association between INSIG2 rs9308762 and ALT level was independent of BMI. The results provided evidence for identifying genetic factors of NAFLD and may be useful for risk assessment and personalized medicine of NAFLD.
A Practical Guide for the Diagnosis of Primary Enteric Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Schäppi M.G. , Staiano A. , Milla P.J. , Smith V.V. , Dias J.A. , Heuschkel R. , Husby S. , Mearin M.L. , Papadopoulou A. , Ruemmele F.M. , Vandenplas Yvan , Koletzko S. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:Primary gastrointestinal neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of enteric nervous system (ENS) disorders that continue to cause difficulties in diagnosis and histological interpretation. Recently, an international working group published guidelines for histological techniques and reporting, along with a classification of gastrointestinal neuromuscular pathology. The aim of this article was to review and summarize the key issues for pediatric gastroenterologists on the diagnostic workup of congenital ENS disorders. In addition, we provide further commentary on the continuing controversies in the field.Results:Although the diagnostic criteria for Hirschsprung disease are well established, those for other forms of dysganglionosis remain ill‐defined. Appropriate tissue sampling, handling, and expert interpretation are crucial to maximize diagnostic accuracy and reduce interobserver variability. The absence of validated age‐related normal values for neuronal density, along with the lack of correlation between clinical and histological findings, result in significant diagnostic uncertainties while diagnosing quantitative aberrations such as hypoganglionosis or ultrashort Hirschsprung disease. Intestinal neuronal dysplasia remains a histological description of unclear significance.Conclusions:The evaluation of cellular quantitative or qualitative abnormalities of the ENS for clinical diagnosis remains complex. Such analysis should be carried out in laboratories that have the necessary expertise and access to their own validated reference values.
Colonic Lymphoid Nodular Hyperplasia in Childhood
Authors: Gurkan Odul E. , Yilmaz Guldal , Aksu Aysel U. , Demirtas Zeliha , Akyol Gulen , Dalgic Buket 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:The clinical importance and etiology of colonic lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) are not clear. It has been considered a response to some antigenic stimuli. Although food allergies, infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and immunodeficiencies may be listed in the etiology of colonic LNH, the etiology has remained unclear in many cases. This study investigated the etiology of colonic LNH and its relation to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in children. FMF as an etiologic factor for colonic LNH has not been reported before in the literature.Methods:Medical files of patients who underwent colonoscopy between 2007 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. Demographic features, presenting symptoms, colonoscopy indications, colonoscopic findings, and final diagnoses of patients were evaluated. According to etiologies, patients with colonic LNH were divided into 2 groups: group A consisted of patients with FMF and group B consisted of diseases other than FMF.Results:A total of 311 patients were included in the study. Forty (12.6%) patients had isolated colonic LNH. In 23 (57.5%) patients, isolated LNH was observed in some colonic segments and total colonic LNH was noted in 17 (42.5%) patients. FMF was the etiologic factor in 6 (15%) patients. Thirty‐four patients (85%) had etiologic factors other than FMF. We did not find any etiologic factor for LNH in 3.53% (11/311) of patients.Conclusions:FMF may be an etiologic factor for colonic LNH in children besides food allergies, infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
Conformational Changes Represent the Rate-Limiting Step in the Transport Cycle of Maize SUCROSE TRANSPORTER1
Authors: Derrer Carmen , Wittek Anke , Bamberg Ernst , Carpaneto Armando , Dreyer Ingo , Geiger Dietmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Proton-driven Suc transporters allow phloem cells of higher plants to accumulate Suc to more than 1 M, which is up to ∼1000-fold higher than in the surrounding extracellular space. The carrier protein can accomplish this task only because proton and Suc transport are tightly coupled. This study provides insights into this coupling by resolving the first step in the transport cycle of the Suc transporter SUT1 from maize (Zea mays). Voltage clamp fluorometry measurements combining electrophysiological techniques with fluorescence-based methods enable the visualization of conformational changes of SUT1 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using the Suc derivate sucralose, binding of which hinders conformational changes of SUT1, the association of protons to the carrier could be dissected from transport-associated movements of the protein. These combined approaches enabled us to resolve the binding of protons to the carrier and its interrelationship with the alternating movement of the protein. The data indicate that the rate-limiting step of the reaction cycle is determined by the accessibility of the proton binding site. This, in turn, is determined by the conformational change of the SUT1 protein, alternately exposing the binding pockets to the inward and to the outward face of the membrane.
The Arabidopsis METACASPASE9 Degradome
Authors: Tsiatsiani Liana , Timmerman Evy , De Bock Pieter-Jan , Vercammen Dominique , Stael Simon , van de Cotte Brigitte , Staes An , Goethals Marc , Beunens Tine , Van Damme Petra , Gevaert Kris , Van Breusegem Frank 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Metacaspases are distant relatives of the metazoan caspases, found in plants, fungi, and protists. However, in contrast with caspases, information about the physiological substrates of metacaspases is still scarce. By means of N-terminal combined fractional diagonal chromatography, the physiological substrates of METACASPASE9 (MC9; AT5G04200) were identified in young seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana on the proteome-wide level, providing additional insight into MC9 cleavage specificity and revealing a previously unknown preference for acidic residues at the substrate prime site position P1′. The functionalities of the identified MC9 substrates hinted at metacaspase functions other than those related to cell death. These results allowed us to resolve the substrate specificity of MC9 in more detail and indicated that the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (AT4G37870), a key enzyme in gluconeogenesis, is enhanced upon MC9-dependent proteolysis.
SWOT analysis in the planning of information services and systems in university libraries
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the impact of strategic plans in the planning of information services and systems in the University of Malawi libraries.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was used as the research design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were collected from the budget estimates from 2004/2005 to 2009/2010 the financial years. Quantitative data were collected from the UNIMA Strategic Plans (2004/2005‐2009/2010) and (2012/2013‐2016/2017). Other views were collected from a forum group discussion of librarians in UNIMA on what they knew about the two strategic plans. Both qualitative and qualitative data are presented in the form of tables. Quantitative data were analysed by calculating percentage increase/decreases in the figures from the previous year. Qualitative data were analysed thematicallyFindingsThe strategic plans have guided the planning, budgeting and financing of UNIMA, including the planning of library services and systems. However, despite the formulation of the strategic plans, political, economic, social, internal and external forces have negatively impacted the implementation of the plans. The strategic plans have also failed to represent the wishes of the libraries as an appropriate environmental scan for the UNIMA libraries was not taken into account.Originality/valueAlthough planning has been a popular topic in business circles, little is known about the planning that occurs in libraries in developing countries. This study seeks to bridge the information gap on the planning for information resources in the University of Malawi libraries.
Does equity mediate the effects of job demands and job resources on work outcomes?
Authors: Hu Qiao , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Taris Toon W. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relation between job demands and job resources on the one hand and employee well‐being (burnout and work engagement) on the other. It was assumed that this relation is mediated by an equity‐based cognitive evaluation process.Design/methodology/approachThis mediation hypothesis was tested using the Job‐Demands Resources model in two Chinese samples of blue collar workers (n=625) and nurses (n=1,381).FindingsAs expected, structural equation analysis revealed that equity mediated the relation of job demands and job resources with burnout and work engagement among nurses. However, mediation was only partly confirmed among blue collar workers. In addition, and as expected, among nurses equity was non‐linearly related with burnout.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional design of the present study precludes causal conclusions.Originality/valueThe study extended the JD‐R model with an equity‐based cognitive evaluation process.
Innovation in development organizations: an Indian perspective
Authors: Patnaik Srilata , Shambu Prasad C. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis article seeks to explore the determinants for innovation in development organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology included interviews with key personnel of an Indian development organization and data collected from secondary sources like official documents and annual reports.FindingsInnovation in development organizations are influenced by factors like acceptance by community, flexibility of donor agencies, support of technical institutions, flexibility in policies and leadership in the organization.Practical implicationsThe findings could help to create an ecosystem for development organizations to become innovative for better performance.Originality/valueThe article highlights various factors that facilitate innovation in development organizations.
Electronic theses and dissertations in Nigeria university libraries
Authors: Ezema Ifeanyi J. , Ugwu C.I. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) projects in Nigerian university libraries.Design/methodology/approachA survey research methodology was applied. A total of 125 questionnaires were distributed to librarians in eight government‐funded universities in South Eastern Nigeria.FindingsOnly three out of the eight universities surveyed have started ETD projects in their libraries. Other universities have the intention of adopting ETD but very little has been done towards this. The study also revealed that university libraries in Nigeria stand to benefit immensely from ETD projects. Some of these benefits as revealed from the findings include enhancing scholarly communication in Nigeria, promoting the global visibility of Nigerian universities, and enhancing research dissemination. The results of the study also revealed some challenges of ETD in Nigeria. Strategies to mitigate these challenges were also identified from the findings.Practical implicationsThe paper establishes that the adoption of ETD in Nigerian university libraries is very low. Nigerian universities must therefore adopt a pragmatic approach to develop an ETD program that will facilitate the dissemination of research documented in theses and dissertations.Originality/valueThe originality of the work lies in the empirical evidence obtained from the eight university libraries surveyed.
A CERIF‐based schema for recording research impact
Authors: Gartner Richard , Cox Mark , Jeffery Keith 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe need for a more structured methodology than currently exists for describing the impact of academic research is widely acknowledged. The most widely used research information standard, CERIF, does not currently allow the encoding of research impact in a structured way: this project devised and tested an extension to CERIF to address this omission. The paper seeks to discuss these points.Design/methodology/approachThe core methodology of the project is a series of extensions to the CERIF model to encode “impact statements”, indicators of impact and measures as evidence for them. These can be linked to persons, organisational units or research outputs. This model is supported by a small semantic taxonomy of indicators and measures. The model was tested by evaluating it against current information environments, and by assessing its compatibility with CERIF and non‐CERIF compliant current research information systems.FindingsDespite some concerns expressed about the validity of reducing qualitative evidence of impact to atomistic measures, and about a general paucity of such data in existing systems, the model tested well against working environments. It offers the potential for reducing workloads and more continuous assessment of research impact within its stakeholder communities.Originality/valueNo substantive methodology for encoding impact statements existed in CERIF prior to this project. In addition, the atomistic, quantifiable approach to describing impact is relatively unexplored in the higher education community, but offers substantial advantages. The work is of relevance to research managers, developers, system designers and metadata specialists.
Overcoming challenges in the implementation of performance measurement
Authors: Jääskeläinen Aki , Sillanpää Virpi 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to evaluate factors affecting the success of the measurement system implementation in the context of two case services with a specific measurement object – productivity.Design/methodology/approachInterviews with the users of new measurement systems are used to obtain information on the role of known technical and organizational success factors supporting measurement system implementation.FindingsTwo key factors were found to affect the success of the measurement system development project. First, the commitment of the operative level was achieved. Second, the chosen measurement tool was suitable for the identified managerial requirements of the organization.Research limitations/implicationsIn order to improve external validity, it would be useful to assess the implementation of measurement systems with a similar approach in different organizations. Could the positive results described in this study be replicated?Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this study are twofold. First, the study describes a potential and fresh approach towards measurement of performance and productivity in public organizations. Second, the experiences described can assist public managers to avoid pitfalls in the implementation of measurement systems.Originality/valueVarious challenges in developing measurement systems in the public sector context are well studied. It is important to better understand how to overcome the problems. In comparison to many existing studies, this research provides more specific and detailed knowledge related to a successful development project.
Correlation transmission between crude oil and Indian markets
Authors: Kumar Dilip , Maheswaran S. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeIn this paper, the authors aim to investigate the return, volatility and correlation spillover effects between the crude oil market and the various Indian industrial sectors (automobile, financial, service, energy, metal and mining, and commodities sectors) in order to investigate optimal portfolio construction and to estimate risk minimizing hedge ratios.Design/methodology/approachThe authors compare bivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models (diagonal, constant conditional correlation and dynamic conditional correlation) with the vector autoregressive model as a conditional mean equation and the vector autoregressive moving average generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model as a conditional variance equation with the error terms following the Student's t distribution so as to identify the model that would be appropriate for optimal portfolio construction and to estimate risk minimizing hedge ratios.FindingsThe authors’ results indicate that the dynamic conditional correlation bivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model is better able to capture time‐dynamics in comparison to other models, based on which the authors find evidence of return and volatility spillover effects from the crude oil market to the Indian industrial sectors. In addition, the authors find that the conditional correlations between the crude oil market and the Indian industrial sectors change dynamically over time and that they reach their highest values during the period of the global financial crisis (2008‐2009). The authors also estimate risk minimizing hedge ratios and oil‐stock optimal portfolio holdings.Originality/valueThis paper has empirical originality in investigating the return, volatility and correlation spillover effects from the crude oil market to the various Indian industrial sectors using BVGARCH models with the error terms assumed to follow the Student's t distribution.