bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among children under three years old in mid‐western rural areas of China
Authors: Jiang Y. , Su X. , Wang C. , Zhang L. , Zhang X. , Wang L. , Cui Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAdequate nutrition is needed to ensure optimum growth and development of infants and young children. Although the national economy has developed rapidly during recent decades in China, malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem. The aim of the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with stunting and severe stunting under 3 years old in mid‐western rural areas in China.MethodsA community‐based cross‐sectional survey was carried out in 84 villages in mid‐western provinces of China in 2010. A total of 1260 children were selected for nutritional assessment in terms of stunting and severe stunting using the new World Health Organization growth standards. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors for adverse nutritional status.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting and severe stunting was 27.0% and 13.2% respectively. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for stunted children were province of residence, caregiver's education, child's gender, low birthweight and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (<6 months). The risk factors for severe stunting in children aged 0–36 months were province of residence, caregiver's education and child's gender.ConclusionsThese results indicate that malnutrition is still a major public health problem among children under 3 years old. The government should implement appropriate nutritional intervention strategies to help reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in children.
Spontaneous abortion is associated with elevated systemic C5a and reduced mRNA of complement inhibitory proteins in placenta
Authors: Banadakoppa M , Chauhan M S , Havemann D , Balakrishnan M , Dominic J S , Yallampalli C 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy due to unknown reasons is a common problem. The excess complement activation and consequent placental inflammation and anti-angiogenic milieu is emerging as an important associated factor in many pregnancy-related complications. In the present study we sought to examine the expression of complement inhibitory proteins at the feto–maternal interface and levels of complement split products in the circulation to understand their role in spontaneous abortion. Consenting pregnant women who either underwent elective abortion due to non-clinical reasons (n = 13) or suffered miscarriage (n = 14) were recruited for the study. Systemic levels of complement factors C3a and C5a were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma C5 and C3 protein levels were examined by Western blot. Expressions of complement regulatory proteins such as CD46 and CD55 in the decidua were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The median of plasma C3a level was 82·83 ng/ml and 66·17 ng/ml in elective and spontaneous abortion patients, respectively. Medians of plasma C5a levels in elective and spontaneous abortion patients were 0·96 ng/ml and 1·14 ng/ml, respectively. Only plasma C5a levels but not C3a levels showed significant elevation in spontaneous abortion patients compared to elective abortion patients. Further, there was a threefold decrease in the mRNA expressions of complement inhibitory proteins CD46 and CD55 in the decidua obtained from spontaneous abortion patients compared to that of elective abortion patients. These data suggested that dysregulated complement cascade may be associated with spontaneous abortion.
Impaired health‐related quality of life in Addison's disease – impact of replacement therapy, comorbidities and socio‐economic factors
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Matikainen Niina , Sintonen Harri , Ranki Annamari , Roine Risto P. , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla 
Published: May 2014

SummaryObjectivePatients with Addison's disease (AD) on conventional replacement therapy have impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). It is possible that lower hydrocortisone (HC) doses recommended by current guidelines could restore HRQoL. We compared HRQoL in AD patients treated according to current HC recommendations to that of the age‐ and gender‐standardized general population.Subjects, design and measurementWe assessed HRQoL in a cross‐sectional setting with the 15D instrument in a Finnish AD cohort (n = 107) and compared the results with those of a large sample of general population (n = 5671). We examined possible predictors of HRQoL in AD. Within the patient group, HRQoL was also assessed by SF‐36.ResultsMean HC dose was 22 mg/d, corresponding to 12 ± 4 mg/m2. HRQoL was impaired in AD compared with the general population (15D score; 0·853 vs 0·918, P < 0·001). Within single 15D dimensions, discomfort and symptoms, vitality and sexual activity were most affected. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that Patient's Association membership (P = 0·02), female gender (P < 0·01), presence of other autoimmune or inflammatory comorbidity (P < 0·02), lower education (P < 0·02) and longer disease duration (P < 0·05) independently predicted impaired HRQoL, whereas replacement regimens, autoimmune‐related comorbidities, total number of comorbidities or level of healthcare follow‐up did not. In AD, HRQoL was impaired also as assessed by SF‐36.ConclusionsHRQoL is significantly impaired in AD compared with the general population despite use of recommended HC doses. Patient's Association membership was the most significant predictor of impaired HRQoL. This finding should be explored in more detail in the future.
Continuous Levels‐of‐Detail and Visual Abstraction for Seamless Molecular Visualization
Authors: Parulek Julius , Jönsson Daniel , Ropinski Timo , Bruckner Stefan , Ynnerman Anders , Viola Ivan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMolecular visualization is often challenged with rendering of large molecular structures in real time. We introduce a novel approach that enables us to show even large protein complexes. Our method is based on the level‐of‐detail concept, where we exploit three different abstractions combined in one visualization. Firstly, molecular surface abstraction exploits three different surfaces, solvent‐excluded surface (SES), Gaussian kernels and van der Waals spheres, combined as one surface by linear interpolation. Secondly, we introduce three shading abstraction levels and a method for creating seamless transitions between these representations. The SES representation with full shading and added contours stands in focus while on the other side a sphere representation of a cluster of atoms with constant shading and without contours provide the context. Thirdly, we propose a hierarchical abstraction based on a set of clusters formed on molecular atoms. All three abstraction models are driven by one importance function classifying the scene into the near‐, mid‐ and far‐field. Moreover, we introduce a methodology to render the entire molecule directly using the A‐buffer technique, which further improves the performance. The rendering performance is evaluated on series of molecules of varying atom counts.
Does direct observation of procedural skills reflect trainee's progress in otolaryngology?
Authors: Awad Z. , Hayden L. , Muthuswamy K. , Ziprin P. , Darzi A. , Tolley N.S. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundUK surgical trainees are required to undertake work‐based assessments each year in order to progress in their training. Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is one of these assessments. We aim to investigate the validity of DOPS in assessing otolaryngology trainees at all levels.MethodsA retrospective search of the portfolios of all otolaryngology trainees in North Thames was carried out to identify otolaryngology‐specific DOPS. A score (Cs) was calculated for each DOPS based on the percentage of satisfactorily‐rated items. The overall performance rating (Ps) was analysed as a separate variable and compared with Cs. The Ps and Cs results were then compared across trainee grades and levels within each grade: Core trainees (CT1‐CT2) and specialty trainees (ST3‐ST8).ResultsSeven hundred and sixty‐seven otolaryngology DOPS were completed between August 2008 and September 2013. The tool was found to be reliable and internally consistent. Trainees in ST grade had higher Cs and Ps scores than CT grade (P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that both Cs and Ps increased from CT1 to ST3 (P = 0.005) but not from ST4 onwards (P = 0.198).ConclusionsOtolaryngology DOPS is a useful tool in assessing otolaryngology trainees especially from CT1‐ST3 level. DOPS can also differentiate between junior and senior trainees. However, it was not able to demonstrate progress at levels above ST3, most likely due to the simplicity of the procedures which trainees tend to master in the first few years of training.
Pharmacotherapeutic targeting of cation‐chloride cotransporters in neonatal seizures
Authors: Puskarjov Martin , Kahle Kristopher T. , Ruusuvuori Eva , Kaila Kai 
Published: May 2014

SummarySeizures are a common manifestation of acute neurologic insults in neonates and are often resistant to the standard antiepileptic drugs that are efficacious in children and adults. The paucity of evidence‐based treatment guidelines, coupled with a rudimentary understanding of disease pathogenesis, has made the current treatment of neonatal seizures empiric and often ineffective, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Key developmental differences in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission between the immature and mature brain, and trauma‐induced alterations in the function of the cation‐chloride cotransporters (CCCs) NKCC1 and KCC2, probably contribute to the poor efficacy of standard antiepileptic drugs used in the treatment of neonatal seizures. Although CCCs are attractive drug targets, bumetanide and other existing CCC inhibitors are suboptimal because of pharmacokinetic constraints and lack of target specificity. Newer approaches including isoform‐specific NKCC1 inhibitors with increased central nervous system penetration, and direct and indirect strategies to enhance KCC2‐mediated neuronal chloride extrusion, might allow therapeutic modulation of the GABAergic system for neonatal seizure treatment.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Multiscale fatigue crack growth modelling for welded stiffened panels
Authors: Božić Ž. , Schmauder S. , Mlikota M. , Hummel M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe influence of welding residual stresses in stiffened panels on effective stress intensity factor (SIF) values and fatigue crack growth rate is studied in this paper. Interpretation of relevant effects on different length scales such as dislocation appearance and microstructural crack nucleation and propagation is taken into account using molecular dynamics simulations as well as a Tanaka–Mura approach for the analysis of the problem. Mode I SIFs, KI, were calculated by the finite element method using shell elements and the crack tip displacement extrapolation technique. The total SIF value, Ktot, is derived by a part due to the applied load, Kappl, and by a part due to welding residual stresses, Kres. Fatigue crack propagation simulations based on power law models showed that high tensile residual stresses in the vicinity of a stiffener significantly increase the crack growth rate, which is in good agreement with experimental results.
Fatigue design of railway wheels: a probabilistic approach
Authors: Roux C. , Lorang X. , Maitournam H. , Nguyen‐Tajan M. L. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with a method to evaluate and optimize the design of railway wheels subjected to multiparameter variable fatigue loading. The fatigue loads are statistically evaluated from in‐service measurements. Representative realistic loading paths are built from the knowledge of the influence of various factors (such as train speed and track curvature). Using these paths, the method combines finite element computations and the fatigue equivalence method for damage evaluation in the structure. An extension of the Dang Van fatigue criterion in the high‐cycle fatigue finite life domain associated with a damage accumulation law is adopted. The probability of failure of the structure is directly obtained from the interference between a local fatigue equivalent stress and fatigue strength distributions (based on the stress–strength interference approach). The result is useful for the optimization during the design stage or the validation of the fatigue strength of structures.
Reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia in denture wearers: a rare trauma‐related lesion
Authors: Chrysomali Evanthia , Katsoulas Nikolaos , Houpis Constantinos 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo present a case of reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia (ROCM) in the anterior edentulous mandibular ridge.BackgroundThe ROCM secondary to chronic mechanical denture trauma is rare and appears as a focal sometimes painful mass on or near the crest of the edentulous alveolar ridge in long‐term denture wearers. The literature review disclosed 24 cases involving more commonly the posterior portion of the mandible.Materials and methodsAn 80‐year‐old female was referred for the evaluation of a painful, submucosal nodule extending into the vestibular mucosa of the anterior edentulous mandibular region. Microscopically, cartilaginous regions exhibiting sparse hyperchromatic or binucleated chondrocytes transitioned into areas of ossification.ResultsThe diagnosis was ROCM. The presence of osteocartilaginous tissue displaying bizarre histopathological features can create a diagnostic dilemma.ConclusionComplete conservative surgical excision of this lesion has a very good prognosis. Surgical augmentation of the sharp edentulous mandibular ridges might be needed to avoid continuous irritation and possible recurrence.
Effectiveness of an oral health educational program on community‐dwelling older people with xerostomia
Authors: Ohara Yuki , Yoshida Naomi , Kono Yoko , Hirano Hirohiko , Yoshida Hideyo , Mataki Shiro , Sugimoto Kumiko 
Published: May 2014

AimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in oral health and function through an oral health educational program for the independent older people with xerostomia.MethodsCommunity‐dwelling older people with xerostomia aged over 65 years who participated in a preliminary comprehensive health survey in 2011 were recruited for the educational program. A total of 47 participants were randomly assigned into two groups, the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 21). The intervention group attended a 90‐min oral health education program every 2 weeks for 3 months. The program consisted of oral hygiene instruction, facial and tongue muscle exercise, and salivary gland massage. The control group was provided only general information about oral health. The assessments of oral function, such as oral diadochokinesis of articulation, swallowing, taste threshold and salivary flow rate, were carried out before and after 3 months with or without intervention.ResultsA total of 38 participants (21 of intervention group and 17 of control group) completed the study protocol. In the intervention group, resting salivation significantly improved after the program. The second and third cumulated Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test times significantly improved in the intervention group. The threshold for bitterness significantly lowered in the intervention group, whereas the sour threshold significantly heightened in the control group after 3 months (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that the educational program targeting oral function improvement is effective among the independent older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 481–489.
Effectiveness of glycinebetaine foliar application in relieving salt stress symptoms in two turf‐grasses
Authors: Scalia Rosalinda , Oddo Elisabetta , Russo Gianni , Saiano Filippo , Grisafi Francesca 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSalinity is one of the problems that must be dealt with in turf‐grass management, due both to restrictions in freshwater use for landscape irrigation and exposure to salt stress in coastal areas. This led to select salinity tolerant genotypes and test management practices, such as the application of osmoprotectants, in order to maintain turf quality at acceptable costs. We compared the effects of irrigation with 600 mmol L−1 NaCl and glycinebetaine (GB) application for 8 weeks on pot‐grown weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). We selected two easily assessable parameters, total clippings fresh weight and chlorophyll content, to evaluate the response to different treatments. Leaf sap solute potential was measured to estimate the effect of treatments on osmoregulation. Salinity treatment resulted in a 70% reduction in total clippings fresh weight in weeping alkaligrass, while the reduction was only 20% in tall fescue. GB treatment had no effect on salt‐stressed plants of weeping alkaligrass, while in tall fescue total clippings fresh weight was the same as that of the control. We conclude that in our experimental conditions, weeping alkaligrass was more sensitive to salinity than tall fescue and that foliar application of GB relieved salt stress symptoms in tall fescue, but had no significant effect on weeping alkaligrass.
Polymerization kinetics of resin cements after light activation through fibre posts: an in vitro study
Authors: Khabeer A. , Whitworth J. , Rolland S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo measure the polymerization of light‐cured (Variolink Veneer, VLV) and dual‐cured (Variolink II, VLII) resin luting cements after light activation through different lengths of fibre post ex vivo.MethodologyDegree of conversion after prolonged direct light activation (PLA) [12 min after LED light activation for 3 min] was determined using ATR‐FTIR. Models were then produced to allow samples of VLV and VLII (n = 5 each group) to be light‐activated through 3, 6 and 9 mm lengths of fibre post (Fiber Lux). Degree of conversion was assessed by ATR‐FTIR and expressed as a percentage of the degree of conversion achieved after PLA. Data were analysed using anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05).ResultsMean [SD] degree of conversion for VLV and VLII after PLA was 57.97% [1.51] and 54.71% [3.77], respectively. Light activation of VLV through a 3 mm post produced 81.62% of the PLA value, compared with 71.03% for the 6 mm and 46.04% for the 9 mm post. Conversion after activation through 9 mm posts was significantly less than through 3 mm and 6 mm posts (P < 0.05). For VLII, activation through a 3 mm post produced 66.51% of the PLA value, compared with 54.38% for the 6 mm and 41.56% for the 9 mm post. A significant decrease in degree of conversion was noted for VLII as post length increased (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe degree of conversion for VLV reduced after light activation through 9 mm posts when compared to 3 mm and 6 mm posts, whilst the degree of conversion for VLII decreased with every increase in post length.
Effects of Workers' Remittances and its Volatility on Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Raza Syed Ali 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of workers' remittances and its volatility on economic growth of five South Asian countries by employing long time series data from 1975 to 2009. Cointegration results confirm a significant positive long run relationship between remittances and economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, but a significant negative relationship in Pakistan. Conversely, the volatility of workers' remittances has a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Pakistan, Indian, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but a negative but insignificant impact in Nepal. All sensitivity analyses confirm that the results are robust. A less volatile inflow of workers' remittances is growth‐enhancing for all countries. It is suggested that policy makers should make policies to reduce the transaction cost to welcome remittances into the region. Furthermore, countries like Pakistan should make the policies to discourage voluntary unemployment.
Policy Implications

This study show the positive effect of remittances on economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri‐Lanka and Nepal. These countries should create friendly policies to reduce the transaction cost to ensure the continuous inflows of workers' remittances.

Results indicate a negative effect of remittances on economic growth in Pakistan. Remittances are considered an uninterrupted source of income, which may increase voluntary unemployment, leading to decreased economic growth. The government should make policies to discourage this voluntary unemployment.

Policymakers should create effective systems to ensure this inflow comes through formal financial channels for better control.
The Battle for Influence: The Politics of Business Lobbying in the European Parliament
Authors: Rasmussen Maja Kluger 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTheEuropeanParliament (EP) has become an increasingly important lobbying venue for business due to the recent enhancement of its regulatory powers. Existing research, however, disagrees on the extent to which the intensified business lobbying has resulted in increased business influence onEPpolicy outcomes. Some studies find a ‘business bias’ in theEP, while others still perceive it to be a forceful promoter of diffuse interests (such as consumer and environmental groups). This article examines the conditions under which business groups shape policy outcomes in theEP. The article uses a comparative qualitative case study design of four recent legislative dossiers, and draws on process‐tracing ofEUdocuments and lobbying letters, and 145 interviews. It finds that the ability of business to leave its fingerprints onEPreports depends on a number of factors – most notably business unity, low issue salience and dossiers being dealt with by mainstream committees.
The Cratylia mollis Seed Lectin Induces Membrane Permeability Transition in Isolated Rat Liver Mitochondria and a Cyclosporine A‐Insensitive Permeability Transition in Trypanosoma cruzi Mitochondria
Authors: Fernandes Mariana P. , Leite Ana C. R. , Araújo Flavia F. B. , Saad Sara T. O. , Baratti M. O. , Correia M. T. S. , Coelho Luana C. B. B. , Gadelha Fernanda R. , Vercesi Anibal E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPrevious results provided evidence that Cratylia mollis seed lectin (Cramoll 1,4) promotes Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes death by necrosis via a mechanism involving plasma membrane permeabilization to Ca2+ and mitochondrial dysfunction due to matrix Ca2+ overload. In order to investigate the mechanism of Ca2+‐induced mitochondrial impairment, experiments were performed analyzing the effects of this lectin on T. cruzi mitochondrial fraction and in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM), as a control. Confocal microscopy of T. cruzi whole cell revealed that Cramoll 1,4 binding to the plasma membrane glycoconjugates is followed by its internalization and binding to the mitochondrion. Electrical membrane potential (∆Ψm) of T. cruzi mitochondrial fraction suspended in a reaction medium containing 10 μM Ca2+ was significantly decreased by 50 μg/ml Cramoll 1,4 via a mechanism insensitive to cyclosporine A (CsA, membrane permeability transition (MPT) inhibitor), but sensitive to catalase or 125 mM glucose. In RLM suspended in a medium containing 10 μM Ca2+ this lectin, at 50 μg/ml, induced increase in the rate of hydrogen peroxide release, mitochondrial swelling, and ∆Ψm disruption. All these mitochondrial alterations were sensitive to CsA, catalase, and EGTA. These results indicate that Cramoll 1, 4 leads to inner mitochondrial membrane permeabilization through Ca2+ dependent mechanisms in both mitochondria. The sensitivity to CsA in RLM characterizes this lectin as a MPT inducer and the lack of CsA effect identifies a CsA‐insensitive MPT in T. cruzi mitochondria.