bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can small stores have a big impact? A qualitative evaluation of a store fruit and vegetable initiative
Authors: Gardiner Breeana , Blake Miranda , Harris Raeleigh , Gee Carena , Charaktis Stella , Choong Christine , Lade Rebecca , Duff Laura , Palermo Claire 
Published: December 2013

Issue addressedThe aim of this evaluation was to explore the quality, barriers, enablers and outcomes of a retail fresh fruit and vegetable initiative in rural communities identified to have poor geographic access to healthy food.MethodsA qualitative evaluation using in‐depth interviews was conducted with rural store retailers across Victoria involved in the implementation of a retail fruit and vegetable initiative. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.ResultsSix of the 13 store retailers that were engaged in the initiative identified a range of qualities, barriers, enablers and outcomes. They reported that effective communication is essential for engaging retailers and sustaining participation. The choice and use of retail incentives may influence the community's purchase of fruit and vegetables. The community's attitude to fruit and vegetables, the staff's ability to promote produce and the capacity of the store to stock and sell fresh fruit and vegetables influenced perceived success. Barriers included difficulties receiving a regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, time constraints and storage facilities.ConclusionsThis qualitative evaluation of a retail fruit and vegetable initiative found that effective leadership and communication from project workers, a range of retail incentives and the capacity of the store to promote, stock and sell fresh fruit and vegetables influenced perceived success.So what?Fruit and vegetable retail initiatives in small rural community stores may have a role in supporting consumption of fruit and vegetables.
The vocational education setting for health promotion: a survey of students’ health risk behaviours and preferences for help
Authors: Bonevski Billie , Guillaumier Ashleigh , Paul Christine , Walsh Raoul 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundAdolescence and young adulthood is a time of risky health behaviour initiation and experimentation. Smoking, risky drinking, poor nutrition and physical activity, and a lack of sun protection behaviour, often become established in early adulthood. Levels of health risk behaviours occurring amongst tertiary education and training students and their preferences for types of oncampus health promotion programs were examined.MethodA cross‐sectional pen‐and‐paper classroom survey was conducted at one Sydney‐based TAFE New South Wales Institute campus in May 2010. The survey assessed demographics, smoking, alcohol use, sun protection, nutrition, physical activity and health promotion program preferences.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐four students participated (97% consent); the majority were aged 16–24 years (59%) and female (51%). Current smoking (35%), risky drinking (49%) and inadequate physical activity (88%) rates were high. Adequate vegetable intake (3.6%) and sun protection behaviours (5.4%) were low and 33% of students were overweight or obese. Popular health promotion programs included food and activity subsidies, practical skills classes and social outings.ConclusionParticipation in health risk behaviours among this sample was high. The setting of tertiary education and workplace training represents an opportunity for early intervention into risky health behaviours among young people.So what?This study is the first to provide information on the prevalence of health risk behaviours and preferences for types of health promoting programs among students of an Australian community college. The results show that young adults regularly participate in multiple health risk behaviours, such as smoking, drinking, poor nutrition, physical activity and lack of sun protection.
Academic and personal problems among Australian university students who drink at hazardous levels: web‐based survey
Authors: Hallett J. , Howat P. , McManus A. , Meng R. , Maycock B. , Kypri K. 
Published: December 2013

Issue addressedAustralian university students consume large amounts of alcohol. There is little published information about personal and academic problems associated with this behaviour. We sought to estimate the prevalence, and identify variables associated with, alcohol‐related problems among undergraduate hazardous drinkers.MethodsThe control group members (942 undergraduates, 53.3% male, mean age 19.4 years) of an internet‐based intervention trial, who scored !8 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, completed two validated questionnaires about their experience of alcohol‐related problems in the preceding 4 weeks. Regression models were used to identify associations between individual characteristics and alcohol‐related problems.ResultsOne‐quarter of participants had missed a class (25.6%) and/or had been unable to concentrate in class (25.7%), and 45% reported that their drinking had impacted negatively on their learning or grades. The most frequent non‐academic problems were hangovers (74.8%), blackouts (44.8%), emotional outbursts (30.5%), vomiting (28.1%), arguments (20.2%) and drink‐driving (23.2%). Male gender, lower age, being a smoker, being in the Faculty of Health (versus Humanities) and living in shared housing (versus with parents/guardians) were each associated with alcohol‐related problems, whereas year of study had no association.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of preventable alcohol‐related problems among undergraduates drinking at hazardous levels and a need for restriction of the availability and promotion of alcohol as well as intervention for individuals at high risk.So what?Universities have a duty of care to large populations of young people drinking at hazardous levels and should make greater efforts to address hazardous alcohol consumption.
Invariant natural killer T cells are depleted in renal impairment and recover after kidney transplantation
Authors: Peukert Konrad , Wingender Gerhard , Patecki Margret , Wagner Stephan , Schmitt Roland , Ge Shuwang , Schwarz Anke , Kronenberg Mitchell , Haller Hermann , von Vietinghoff Sibylle 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Altered immune function in patients with renal failure results in both susceptibility to infection and increased inflammatory response. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved, immunoregulatory T lymphocyte subset that responds to lipid antigens with near-immediate cytokine production and cytotoxicity. iNKT cells are required for the antibacterial host response. Whether renal failure and renal replacement therapy alter iNKT cell abundance or phenotype has not been investigated.

Methods
iNKT cells were studied by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of patients with acute renal failure, chronic haemo- and peritoneal dialysis (PD), chronic kidney disease and after renal transplantation.

Results
A very marked reduction in iNKT lymphocytes was found in acute renal failure before the first haemodialysis (HD) session. iNKT cells were depleted in end-stage renal disease patients receiving either HD or PD. iNKT cell depletion was accentuated after an HD session. Lesser degrees were observed in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. CD56 and CD161 NK cell marker expression was decreased in renal impairment. CD56+ and CD161+iNKT cells produced more interferon-γ than negative cells of the same donor. Within the first year after kidney transplantation, the decrease in iNKT cells and their NK cell markers was reverted.

Conclusions
We describe for the first time that iNKT lymphocytes are reduced in end-stage renal disease and further depleted by HD. iNKT cells are important for early host response including activation of other immune cells and their depletion may contribute to immune dysfunction in renal disease.
Results of Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting in 1577 Patients
Authors: Dimitrova Kamellia R. , Dincheva Gabriela R. , Hoffman Darryl M. , DeCastro Helbert , Geller Charles M. , Tranbaugh Robert F. 
Published: December 2013

Objective We reviewed 1577 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using endoscopic harvesting of the radial artery (RA) to define our current results. Methods Since 2000, we have performed endoscopic RA harvest on 1577 consecutive patients; 1476 patients had isolated CABG, and 101 patients had CABG and other procedures. The mean ± SD age was 59.4 ± 9.0 years; 80.2% were men and 40% had diabetes mellitus. All data were prospectively collected. All-cause mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Index. Results There were nine in-hospital or 30-day deaths, for an operative mortality of 0.57%: mortality was 0.34% in isolated CABG and 3.85% in CABG/combined procedures. The overall estimated Kaplan-Meier survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 95%, and 88%. In 37 patients, the RAs were not harvested or were not used for grafting because of a positive Allen test, extensive calcification or dissection, intramural hematoma, and scarring from previous arterial lines or catheterization. During postoperative follow-up, five patients (0.32%) were treated for incisional infection, and there were no ischemic hand complications. Three patients had a perioperative myocardial infarction in the RA graft distribution, and 15 patients had a coronary artery reintervention in the RA graft distribution. Two other patients had a percutaneous coronary intervention of their RAs. The overall RA patency at 10 years was 82%. Conclusions Endoscopic harvest of the RA is an excellent minimally invasive conduit harvesting technique with minimal morbidity.
Surgical Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: De Maat Gijs E. , Pozzoli Alberto , Scholten Marcoen F. , Hillege Hans L. , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Alfieri Ottavio R. , Benussi Stefano , Mariani Massimo A. 
Published: December 2013

Objective Minimally invasive surgical pulmonary vein isolation (SMI-PVI) is an emerging therapy for the treatment of symptomatic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, the midterm and long-term results of SMI-PVI remain unknown. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to report on midterm efficacy and safety of SMI-PVI. Methods The study design was retrospective, multicentric, and observational. From July 2005 to November 2011, a total of 86 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent SMI-PVI in three centers. Patients were eligible for SMI-PVI if they had symptomatic, drug-refractory AF or after failed transcatheter pulmonary vein isolation. Success was defined as absence of AF on 24- or 96-hour Holter monitoring during follow-up, in the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Results The mean ± SD age was 54 ± 11 years, and 78% were men. The median AF duration was 30 months (range, 2–203); paroxysmal AF was present in 86% of the patients, persistent in 14%. Fifteen patients (17%) underwent previous transcatheter ablations. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 6–78), 72% of all patients were free from atrial arrhythmias without the use of AADs. With AADs, this was 83%. Major perioperative adverse events occurred in 7 patients (8%). Conclusions This retrospective multicenter study shows that SMI-PVI is effective at a median follow-up of 24 months for the treatment of mostly paroxysmal drug-refractory AF. Perioperative adverse events do remain a point of caution.
Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Using Internal Thoracic Arteries via a Left Minithoracotomy
Authors: Nambiar Pradeep , Mittal Chandermohan 
Published: December 2013

Objective Harvesting of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) under direct vision, through a left minithoracotomy, without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance has never been done or described before. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have shown greater survival and freedom from reintervention. The aim was to develop a multivessel minimally invasive CABG technique in which the BITAs are harvested under direct vision and complete revascularization of the myocardium is done by the off-pump method, using only BITAs (left internal thoracic artery [LITA]–RITAY) through a 2-in left minithoracotomy, without robotic/thoracoscopic assistance—the “Nambiar Technique.” Methods From August 2011 to December 2012, a total of 150 patients underwent off-pump minimally invasive multivessel CABG using BITAs, through a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision. Both internal thoracic arteries were harvested directly under vision, and complete revascularization of the myocardium was done using the LITA-RITAY composite conduit, followed by flow study of the grafts. Coronary artery stabilization for anastomoses was done by using epicardial stabilizers introduced through the minithoracotomy. Results One hundred fifty patients had minimally invasive total arterial myocardial revascularization using BITAs (LITA-RITA Y composite conduit) via a left minithoracotomy. The mean number of grafts was 2.8. A total of 81.6% of the patients had three grafts. Ejection fraction was 34.5 ± 5.2. There was one mortality but no major morbidity. The RITA and LITA harvest times were 39.5 ± 11.2 and 35.2 ± 8.6 minutes, respectively. The total time in the operating room (including extubation) was 331.5 ± 42.5 minutes, and operating time was 240.8 ± 24.6 minutes. One hundred twenty-six patients (87.7%) were extubated on the table. The mean hospital stay was 3.1 days. One patient (0.6%) had an elective conversion to sternotomy because the flow in the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit was inadequate and had saphenous vein grafts. Coronary angiograms were done in 37 patients (25%); and computed tomographic angiograms, in 33 patients (22%), and the grafts were patent. Stress test was done in 80 patients (53%), which had normal findings. Conclusions The Nambiar Technique encompassed using a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision through which the BITAs were conveniently harvested in a skeletonized manner under direct vision without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance. Multivessel total arterial revascularization was then done using the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit by the off-pump methodology. The early outcomes have been excellent, and coronary angiograms showed widely patent grafts. This technique is reproducible and can be done on an empty beating heart to aid in training.
Selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations
Authors: Fariello Maria-Ines , Servin Bertrand , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Rupp Rachel , Moreno Carole , SanCristobal Magali , Boitard Simon ,   International Sheep Genomics Consortium
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe diversity of populations in domestic species offers great opportunities to study genome response to selection. The recently published Sheep HapMap dataset is a great example of characterization of the world wide genetic diversity in sheep. In this study, we re-analyzed the Sheep HapMap dataset to identify selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations. Compared to previous analyses, we made use of statistical methods that (i) take account of the hierarchical structure of sheep populations, (ii) make use of linkage disequilibrium information and (iii) focus specifically on either recent or older selection signatures. We show that this allows pinpointing several new selection signatures in the sheep genome and distinguishing those related to modern breeding objectives and to earlier post-domestication constraints. The newly identified regions, together with the ones previously identified, reveal the extensive genome response to selection on morphology, color and adaptation to new environments.
microRNA319a-Targeted Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis TCP Genes Modulate Head Shape in Chinese Cabbage by Differential Cell Division Arrest in Leaf Regions
Authors: Mao Yanfei , Wu Feijie , Yu Xiang , Bai Jinjuan , Zhong Weili , He Yuke 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Leafy heads of cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) are composed of extremely incurved leaves. The shape of these heads often dictates the quality, and thus the commercial value, of these crops. Using quantitative trait locus mapping of head traits within a population of 150 recombinant inbred lines of Chinese cabbage, we investigated the relationship between expression levels of microRNA-targeted Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, cycloidea, and PCF transcription factor4 (BrpTCP4) genes and head shape. Here, we demonstrate that a cylindrical head shape is associated with relatively low BrpTCP4-1 expression, whereas a round head shape is associated with high BrpTCP4-1 expression. In the round-type Chinese cabbage, microRNA319 (miR319) accumulation and BrpTCP4-1 expression decrease from the apical to central regions of leaves. Overexpression of BrpMIR319a2 reduced the expression levels of BrpTCP4 and resulted in an even distribution of BrpTCP4 transcripts within all leaf regions. Changes in temporal and spatial patterns of BrpTCP4 expression appear to be associated with excess growth of both apical and interveinal regions, straightened leaf tips, and a transition from the round to the cylindrical head shape. These results suggest that the miR319a-targeted BrpTCP gene regulates the round shape of leafy heads via differential cell division arrest in leaf regions. Therefore, the manipulation of miR319a and BrpTCP4 genes is a potentially important tool for use in the genetic improvement of head shape in these crops.
Sterol-Dependent Induction of Plant Defense Responses by a Microbe-Associated Molecular Pattern from Trichoderma viride
Authors: Sharfman Miya , Bar Maya , Schuster Silvia , Leibman Meirav , Avni Adi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Plant-microbe interactions involve numerous regulatory systems essential for plant defense against pathogens. An ethylene-inducing xylanase (Eix) of Trichoderma viride is a potent elicitor of plant defense responses in specific cultivars of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We demonstrate that tomato cyclopropyl isomerase (SlCPI), an enzyme involved in sterol biosynthesis, interacts with the LeEix2 receptor. Moreover, we examined the role of SlCPI in signaling during the LeEix/Eix defense response. We found that SlCPI is an important factor in the regulation of the induction of defense responses such as the hypersensitive response, ethylene biosynthesis, and the induction of pathogenesis-related protein expression in the case of LeEix/Eix. Our results also suggest that changes in the sterol composition reduce LeEix internalization, thereby attenuating the induction of plant defense responses.
A Carbon-Nitrogen Lyase from Leucaena leucocephala Catalyzes the First Step of Mimosine Degradation
Authors: Negi Vishal Singh , Bingham Jon-Paul , Li Qing X. , Borthakur Dulal 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The tree legume Leucaena leucocephala contains a large amount of a toxic nonprotein aromatic amino acid, mimosine, and also an enzyme, mimosinase, for mimosine degradation. In this study, we isolated a 1,520-bp complementary DNA (cDNA) for mimosinase from L. leucocephala and characterized the encoded enzyme for mimosine-degrading activity. The deduced amino acid sequence of the coding region of the cDNA was predicted to have a chloroplast transit peptide. The nucleotide sequence, excluding the sequence for the chloroplast transit peptide, was codon optimized and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme was used in mimosine degradation assays, and the chromatogram of the major product was found to be identical to that of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridone (3H4P), which was further verified by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The enzyme activity requires pyridoxal 5′-phosphate but not α-keto acid; therefore, the enzyme is not an aminotransferase. In addition to 3H4P, we also identified pyruvate and ammonia as other degradation products. The dependence of the enzyme on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and the production of 3H4P with the release of ammonia indicate that it is a carbon-nitrogen lyase. It was found to be highly efficient and specific in catalyzing mimosine degradation, with apparent K m and V max values of 1.16 × 10−4 m and 5.05 × 10−5 mol s−1 mg−1, respectively. The presence of other aromatic amino acids, including l-tyrosine, l-phenylalanine, and l-tryptophan, in the reaction did not show any competitive inhibition. The isolation of the mimosinase cDNA and the biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme will be useful in developing transgenic L. leucocephala with reduced mimosine content in the future.
Improvement of the corrosion performance of 304L stainless steel by a nanostructure hybrid coating/henna extract
Authors: Nasr-Esfahani Mojtaba , Pourriahi Mehdi , Motalebi Abolfazl , Zendehdel Mahmoud 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this investigation was to study the corrosion protection and structural characteristics of a hybrid organic-inorganic thin film preloaded with green corrosion inhibitor for anticorrosive protection of stainless steel 304L.

Design/methodology/approach
– An ethanol solution of the polymerized 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilan and tetraethylorthosilicate was mixed with henna extract to give homogeneous sols. The morphology, composition and adhesion of hybrid sol-gel coatings were examined by SEM, EDX and pull-off tests, respectively. The surface chemistry of the hybrid sol-gel coatings was investigated with polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the physiological saline solution.

Findings
– The polarization curves and EIS data were in agreement. Henna extract additions significantly increased the corrosion protection capability of the sol-gel thin film to greater than 85 percent in the physiological saline solution. In addition, the doped hybrid coating on stainless steel 304L was useful in 3.5 percent NaCl solution.

Originality/value
– There have been few reports on the hybrid organic-inorganic thin films preloaded with corrosion inhibitor, as described in the paper, and this environmentally friendly coating on stainless steel 304L was found to be highly effective for industrial applications.