bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Adiposity and Left Ventricular Mass in Children With Hypertension
Authors: Brady Tammy M. , Appel Lawrence J. , Holmes Kathryn W. , Fivush Barbara , Miller Edgar R. 
Published: November 2015

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is prevalent among hypertensive children; however, blood pressure (BP) does not predict its presence. The authors conducted a 1‐year prospective cohort study to examine the hypothesis that obesity‐related risk factors are associated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in hypertensive children, and the association between adiposity and LVMI is mediated by BP‐dependent and ‐independent pathways. A total of 49 hypertensive children were enrolled: 51% were overweight/obese and 41% had LVH at baseline. Children overweight/obese at baseline and follow‐up had a greater LVMI increase than those of healthy weight at each visit: mean change of 6.4 g/m2.7 vs 0.95 g/m2.7. Baseline body mass index z score was independently associated with LVMI change (β=4.08, 1.54–6.61; P=.002). Only pulse pressure and serum aldosterone partially mediated this relationship. Hypertensive youth manifest multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors that worsen over time despite treatment. Of these, adiposity is most associated with LVH and increasing LVMI.
The use of facial modeling and analysis to objectively quantify facial redness
Authors: Foolad Negar , Prakash Neha , Shi Vivian Y , Kamangar Faranak , Wang Qinlu , Li Chin‐Shang , Sivamani Raja K 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe reproducible evaluation of facial redness is critical to the assessment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Assessments have typically focused on the use of photography with the use of semi‐quantitative grading scales based on evaluator rating. However, few studies have utilized computer‐based algorithms to evaluate facial redness.AimThe purpose of this clinical study was to assess whether there is correlation between clinical grading of facial redness to the assessment of a quantitative computer‐based facial modeling and measurement.Material and MethodsIn this prospective study, a set of high‐resolution facial photographs and cross‐polarized subsurface photographs for erythema detection were obtained for 31 study participants. A computer algorithm was then utilized to detect and quantify facial redness in the photographs and compare this to semi‐quantitative evaluator‐based grading for facial redness.ResultsThere was a strong correlation between computer‐based cross‐polarized subsurface erythema quantification and clinical grading for redness intensity (Clinical Erythema Assessment), redness distribution, and overall redness severity (Modified Clinical Erythema Assessment).ConclusionOverall, facial redness measurements by facial imaging and computer analysis correlated well to clinical grading scales for both redness intensity and distribution. Future studies should incorporate facial modeling and analysis tools for assessments in clinical studies to introduce greater objectivity and quantitative analysis in facial erythema‐based analyses.
A NEW CINDERELLA STORY: JOINT VENTURES AND THE PROPERTY RIGHTS THEORY OF THE FIRM
Authors: Gattai Valeria , Natale Piergiovanna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractJoint ventures (JVs) are a common form of inter‐firm collaboration and, unsurprisingly, the subject of a vast literature, extending from economics to management and business studies.Issues of control are central to the definition of JVs, and this naturally calls for an interpretation in the context of the property rights theory (PRT) of the firm. In a series of seminal papers, Grossman, Hart and Moore (GHM) offer a rigorous framework to predict the allocation of control rights. Notably, under the standard assumptions of GHM, JVs are suboptimal. However, JVs are not suboptimal in more general settings where a number of the original framework's assumptions are relaxed. In the context of PRT, this paper surveys more than 20 contributions that address the optimality of JVs under contract incompleteness. The surveyed papers question the assumptions of GHM and reveal the circumstances in which JVs outperform sole ownership. Although contributions are scattered over time and bibliographical sources, we believe sufficient material has accumulated over 25 years of economic modelling to encourage some systematization. The discussion is organized in an intuitive and non‐technical way; in particular, effort is devoted to analysing each paper in detail and providing a unified framework.
Liver receptor homologue‐1 and steroidogenic factor‐1 expression in cultured granulosa cells from patients with endometriosis: A preliminary study
Authors: Lu Xiang , Wu Zheng‐mu , Wang Yong‐wei , Wang Min , Cheng Wei‐wei 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe expression of aromatase (via CYP19 and the CYP19 PII promoter) and the orphan nuclear receptor family members, liver receptor homologue‐1 (LRH‐1) and steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1) in cultured luteinized granulosa cells from women with endometriosis were investigated.MethodsLuteinized granulosa cells from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (16 patients with endometriosis and 28 controls) were examined for messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of CYP19, CYP19 PII, LRH‐1 and SF‐1, determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Student's t‐test, the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe number of high quality embryos in the endometriosis group was significantly lower than in the control group. The mRNA expression levels of CYP19, CYP19 PII, LRH‐1 and SF‐1 in granulosa‐lutein cells were decreased in women with endometriosis compared to the control group. The simultaneous down‐regulation expression of LRH‐1, SF‐1 and CYP19 PII in endometriotic granulosa cells indicated their positive correlation.ConclusionOur results demonstrate aberrant expressions of SF‐1 and LRH‐1 in endometriotic granulosa‐lutein cells. This finding may be helpful in understanding infertility associated with endometriosis and reduced P450 aromatase activity in endometriotic granulosa cells.
Impact of preoperative urodynamic testing for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse on clinical management in Chinese women
Authors: Huang Liang , He Ling , Wu Shi‐Liang , Sun Ru‐yi , Lu Dan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the impact of preoperative urodynamic testing on the clinical management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsUrodynamic testing was performed prior to surgery in 307 patients with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. The resulting changes to planned treatment were recorded and retrospectively assessed.ResultsResults of urodynamic testing prompted changes to the treatment plan in 136 cases (44.2%), including 86 cases of no or slight‐stress urinary incontinence, 28 cases of bladder outlet obstruction, 12 cases of occult stress urinary incontinence and 10 cases of detrusor overactivity and urge urinary incontinence. Urodynamic testing excluded disadvantageous factors in 69 cases (22.4%), including 46 cases of overactive bladder and 23 cases of voiding dysfunction. The information provided to patients when seeking informed consent was augmented by the results of urodynamic testing in 63 cases (20.5%). Urodynamic testing was of no value in 39 cases (12.7%).ConclusionsPreoperative urodynamic testing for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse can result in changes to treatment plans, exclusion of disadvantageous factors, and augmentation of information provided to patients when seeking informed consent.
Reproductive isolation between Zaluzianskya species: the influence of volatiles and flower orientation on hawkmoth foraging choices
Authors: Campbell Diane R. , Jürgens Andreas , Johnson Steven D. 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Floral trait differences between related species may play a key role in reproductive isolation imposed by pollinators. Volatile emissions can influence pollinator choice, but how they act in combination with traits such as flower orientation is rarely studied.

We compared flower‐opening patterns, morphology, colour, orientation and volatile emissions for two closely related species of Zaluzianskya and their natural hybrids. Hawkmoth pollinators were tested for preference between flowers of the two species, and between flowers with manipulations of volatiles or orientation.

Flowers of Z. natalensis and Z. microsiphon open at night and day, respectively, but they overlap during early evening, when hawkmoths showed a strong preference for Z. natalensis. The species have similar flower size and colour, but Z. natalensis emits more floral volatiles in the evening and presents flowers vertically face‐up as opposed to horizontally in Z. microsiphon, whereas natural hybrids are intermediate. Adding methyl benzoate and linalool to flowers of Z. microsiphon did not increase hawkmoth attraction, but re‐orientation of flowers to face vertically increased attraction when scent cues were present, whereas re‐orientation of Z. natalensis flowers to face horizontally decreased attraction.

This study highlights the importance of flower orientation in imposing reproductive isolation.
Genetic effects of multiple asthma loci identified by genomewide association studies on asthma and spirometric indices
Authors: Tang Man Fung , Sy Hing Yee , Kong Alice Pik‐shan , Ko Fanny Wai‐san , Wang Susan Shuxin , Liu Tak Chi , Chan Wa Cheong , Wong Gary Wing‐kin , Hon Kam Lun , Chan Juliana Chung‐ngor , Hui David Shu‐cheong , Leung Ting Fan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundGenomewide association study (GWAS) published by GABRIEL consortium identified 10 asthma‐associated loci. However, their relationship with lung functions is unclear. This study investigated the association between asthma traits and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these GWAS loci.MethodsRs3894194 and rs9273349 were not genotyped due to unavailable TaqMan assays. Genetic associations of remaining eight SNPs were investigated in 903 school‐age asthmatics and 1205 non‐allergic controls. Four significant SNPs were then replicated in 479 adult asthmatics and 746 adult controls, and 1341 Chinese preschool children. Meta‐analyses were performed by combining data from school‐age children and adults. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to analyze their interactions for asthma traits.ResultsChildhood asthma was associated with GSDMB_rs2305480 (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.83). IL13_rs1295686 was associated with all asthma (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.32) and early‐onset asthma (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.20–3.06) in adults, whereas GSDMB_rs2305480 was only associated with early‐onset asthma (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.96). According to meta‐analyses, the minor allele of rs2305480 was inversely associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC (p < 0.01). GMDR analyses revealed 2‐locus models of SLC22A5 with SMAD3 to modulate FEVt/FVC in both preschool children and adults, with IL13 to determine FVC in both school‐age children and adults, and with IL2RB to modulate FEV1/FVC in school‐age children.ConclusionsIL13 and GSDMB are replicated as asthma genes. Rs2305480 of GSDMB is also associated with low FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC among asthmatics. Moreover, SLC22A5, IL13, SMAD3, and GSDMB interact to modulate spirometric indices.
Fatty acid composition of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and its host the worker prepupae of Apis mellifera
Authors: Zalewski Kazimierz , Zaobidna Ewa , Żóltowska Krystyna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe present study analyzes the fatty acid (FA) profile of lipids isolated from Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman, a parasitic mite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), uninfected and infected worker prepupae of the Carnolian subspecies Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann, and bee bread fed to the worker brood. Significant differences are observed in the FA profiles of lipids isolated from parasites, hosts and bee bread. Parasitism by V. destructor (henceforth, varroosis) induces visible changes in the lipid profile of worker prepupae. In infected prepupae, the percentage of total saturated FAs is lower and the percentage of unsaturated FAs is higher than in uninfected insects. These differences result from significant changes in the percentages of FAs that are most abundant in the evaluated groups (i.e. C16:0, C18:1 9c, C18:2n‐6 and C18:3n‐3 FAs). In mites and in uninfected and infected prepupae, the predominant FAs are oleic acid (41.07 ± 2.26%, 42.79 ± 1.21% and 45 ± 0.20%, respectively) and palmitic acid (22.62 ± 0.87%, 39.48 ± 0.43% and 36.84 ± 0.22%, respectively). Highly significant differences in FA composition are noted between bee bread and worker brood. The results suggest specific mechanisms of FA uptake, accumulation and metabolism in the food chain of this parasitic association, beginning from the food processed by nurse bees for larval feeding, through host organisms (worker brood) to V. destructor mites.
Real‐time measurement of platelet shape change by light scattering under riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment
Authors: Terada Chikahiro , Shiba Masayuki , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUNDThe adoption of pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) is considered for the implementation of safer platelet (PLT) transfusion. However, the effects of PRT treatment including irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light on PLT shape have not yet been fully clarified.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSLeukoreduced PLT concentrates (PCs) were treated with riboflavin and UV light (Mirasol PRT, TerumoBCT). PLT shape and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced shape change were evaluated by a light scattering method where the amplitude of the scattered signal intensity was measured as the indicator of the proportion of discoid PLTs. Using a modified fluorometer, the real‐time effects of different wavelengths of UV light on PLT shape were examined over the range of 300 to 360 nm at the same dose.RESULTSThe proportion of discoid PLTs in the Mirasol PRT–treated PCs decreased immediately after treatment. The difference in the proportion between PRT‐treated and untreated PLTs became larger with storage. Although this modification correlated significantly with the pH decrease and P‐selectin expression, the Mirasol PRT–treated PLTs retained sufficient ability to undergo an ADP‐induced shape change. In the study using the modified fluorometer, the proportion of discoid PLTs significantly decreased with the wavelength (<320 nm) of irradiated UV light.CONCLUSIONMirasol PRT treatment of PCs decreases the proportion of discoid PLTs, which seemed to be caused by the irradiation with UV light of short wavelengths (<320 nm), not that of long wavelengths (≥320 nm) in the Mirasol PRT system. Modification of UV light wavelength may improve the quality of PRT‐treated PCs.
The Effects of Pilates Training on Balance Control and Self-Reported Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gabizon Hadas , Press Yan , Volkov Ilia , Melzer Itshak 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:To evaluate the effect of a group-based Pilates training program on balance control and health status in healthy older adults.Design:A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.Setting:General community.Participants:A total of 88 community-dwelling older adults (age 71.15 ± 4.30 years), without evidence of functional balance impairment, were recruited and allocated at random to a Pilates intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 44).Intervention:The Pilates intervention group received 36 training sessions over three months (3 sessions a week), while the control group did not receive any intervention.Outcome measures:Standing upright postural stability, performance-based measures of balance, and self-reported health status was assessed in both groups at baseline and at the end of the intervention period.Results:Compared with the control group, the Pilates intervention did not improve postural stability, baseline functional measures of balance, or health status.Conclusions:The results suggest that because Pilates training is not task specific, it does not improve balance control or balance function in independent older adults.
Choosing Healthcare Options by Involving Canada's Elderly: a protocol for the CHOICE realist synthesis project on engaging older persons in healthcare decision-making
Authors: Stolee Paul , Elliott Jacobi , McNeil Heather , Boscart Veronique , Heckman George A , Hutchinson Rebecca , Hedley Margaret , Glouberman Sholom , Judd Maria 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionWhile patient and citizen engagement has been recognised as a crucial element in healthcare reform, limited attention has been paid to how best to engage seniors—the fastest growing segment of the population and the largest users of the healthcare system. To improve the healthcare services for this population, seniors and their families need to be engaged as active partners in healthcare decision-making, research and planning. This synthesis aims to understand the underlying context and mechanisms needed to achieve meaningful engagement of older adults in healthcare decision-making, research and planning.Methods and analysisThe CHOICE Knowledge Synthesis Project: Choosing Healthcare Options by Involving Canada's Elderlyaims to address this issue by synthesising current knowledge on patient, family, and caregiver engagement. A realist synthesis will support us to learn from other patient and citizen engagement initiatives, from previous research, and from seniors, families and caregivers themselves. The synthesis will guide development or adaptation of a framework, leading to the development of best practice guidelines and recommendations for engagement of older people and their families and caregivers in clinical decision-making, healthcare delivery, planning and research.Ethics and disseminationThe components of this protocol involving consultation with patients or caregivers have received ethics clearance from the University of Waterloo, Office of Research Ethics (ORE#19094). After completion of the project, we will amalgamate the information collected into a knowledge synthesis report which will include best practice guidelines and recommendations for patient, family and caregiver engagement in clinical and health system planning and research contexts.ResultsWill be further disseminated to citizens, clinicians, researchers and policymakers with the help of our partners.Trial registration numberCRD42015024749.
An exploratory analysis of cigarette price premium, market share and consumer loyalty in relation to continued consumption versus cessation in a national US panel
Authors: Lewis Michael , Wang Yanwen , Cahn Zachary , Berg Carla J 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionBrand equity and consumer loyalty play a role in continued purchasing behaviour; however, this research has largely focused on non-addictive products without counter-marketing tactics. We examined the impact of brand equity (price premium, market share) and consumer loyalty (switching rates) on smoking cessation (discontinued cigarette purchases for 1 year) among smokers in a consumer panel.MethodsIn Spring 2015, we analysed 1077 cigarette-purchasing households in the Nielsen Homescan Panel. We analysed cessation in relation to brand equity, consumer loyalty, other purchasing behaviours (nicotine intake, frequency), sociodemographics and tobacco control activities (per state-specific data) over a 6-year period (2004–2009) using Cox proportional hazard modelling.ResultsThe sample was 13.28% African-American; the average income was $52 334 (SD=31 445). The average price premium and market share of smokers’ dominant brands were $1.31 (SD=0.49) and 15.41% (SD=19.15), respectively. The mean brand loyalty level was 0.90 (SD=0.17), indicating high loyalty. In our final model, a higher price premium and market share were associated with lower quit rates (p=0.039); however, an interaction effect suggested that greater market share was not associated with lower cessation rates for African-American smokers (p=0.006). Consumer loyalty was not associated with cessation. Other predictors of lower quit rates included a higher nicotine intake (p=0.006) and baseline purchase frequency (p<0.001). Tobacco control factors were not significantly associated.ConclusionsSmokers of high-equity cigarette brands are less likely to quit, perhaps due to strong brand–consumer relationships. Thus, continued efforts should aim to regulate tobacco marketing efforts in order to disrupt these relationships to promote cessation.
Perception of electronic cigarettes in the general population: does their usefulness outweigh their risks?
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Jose M , Fu Marcela , Martín-Sánchez Juan Carlos , Ballbè Montse , Saltó Esteve , Fernández Esteve 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo describe and compare the perceptions of the general population about the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on users and on those passively exposed to e-cigarettes and the perceptions about e-cigarette usefulness for reducing or eliminating tobacco smoking.Design, setting, and participantsWe analysed cross-sectional data from a longitudinal study of a representative sample of the general adult (≥16 years) population of Barcelona, Spain (336 men and 400 women). The fieldwork was conducted between May 2013 and February 2014. We computed the percentages, adjusted OR and their corresponding 95% CI among participants with some awareness of e-cigarettes (79.2% of the sample).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe assessed the perception about harmfulness for e-cigarette users and for passively exposed non-e-cigarette users, as well as the perception of usefulness for smokers of cigarette cessation and reduction.ResultsIn this sample, 40.1% thought that e-cigarettes had a harmful effect on users, and 27.1% thought that e-cigarettes had a harmful effect on passively exposed bystanders (p<0.001). Particularly, more never-smokers perceived that e-cigarettes had harmful effects on passively exposed bystanders than current smokers (34.4% vs 20.6%; OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.63). More people perceived e-cigarettes as being useful for reducing smoking than for quitting (50.6% vs 29.9%, p<0.001), as well as for reducing smoking than as being harmful to users (50.6% vs 40.1%, p=0.044).DiscussionThe perception that e-cigarettes are useful for reducing tobacco consumption was more prevalent than the perception that e-cigarettes are harmful to users and to those passively exposed to e-cigarettes. Advertisements and messages about the use of e-cigarettes and their harmful effects should be regulated and based on scientific evidence to avoid creating erroneous ideas about their use.