bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D analogue therapy, cardiovascular risk and kidney function in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy: a randomized trial
Authors: Joergensen C. , Tarnow L. , Goetze J. P. , Rossing P. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of therapy with the vitamin D analogue paricalcitol on markers of cardiovascular risk and kidney function in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.MethodsIn a double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled, crossover trial, 48 participants on stable renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockade and diuretics were assigned, in random order, to 12 weeks of paricalcitol and 12 weeks of placebo therapy, separated by a 4‐week washout period. Primary and secondary endpoints were changes in plasma N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide and urinary albumin excretion rate obtained before and after each intervention. Glomerular filtration rates were estimated and measured (51Cr‐EDTA plasma clearance glomerular filtration rate) after each intervention.ResultsThe mean (sd) age of the participants was 57 (9) years, the baseline geometric mean (95% CI) urinary albumin excretion rate was 148 (85–259) mg/24 h, the mean (sd) HbA1c was 70 (9) mmol/mol [8.6 (3)%], the mean (sd) estimated glomerular filtration rate was 47 (15) ml/min/1.73 m2 and the mean (sd) 24‐h blood pressure was 135 (17)/74 (10) mmHg. Compared with placebo therapy, vitamin D analogue therapy had no significant effect on plasma N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide concentration (P = 0.6), urinary albumin excretion rate was reduced by 18% (P = 0.03 for comparison), estimated glomerular filtration rate was reduced by 5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.001) and measured glomerular filtration rate was reduced by 1.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.2).ConclusionsParicalcitol therapy did not affect plasma N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide concentration in people with Type 1 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy; however, the urinary albumin excretion rate was significantly lowered.
Altered erythropoiesis and iron metabolism in carriers of thalassemia
Authors: Guimarães Jacqueline S. , Cominal Juçara G. , Silva‐Pinto Ana Cristina , Olbina Gordana , Ginzburg Yelena Z. , Nandi Vijay , Westerman Mark , Rivella Stefano , de Souza Ana Maria 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe thalassemia syndromes (α‐ and β‐thalassemia) are the most common and frequent disorders associated with ineffective erythropoiesis. Imbalance of α‐ or β‐globin chain production results in impaired red blood cell synthesis, anemia, and more erythroid progenitors in the blood stream. While patients affected by these disorders show definitive altered parameters related to erythropoiesis, the relationship between the degree of anemia, altered erythropoiesis, and dysfunctional iron metabolism has not been investigated in both α‐thalassemia carriers (ATC) and β‐thalassemia carriers (BTC). Here, we demonstrate that ATC have a significantly reduced hepcidin and increased soluble transferrin receptor levels but relatively normal hematological findings. In contrast, BTC have several hematological parameters significantly different from controls, including increased soluble transferrin receptor and erythropoietin levels. These changes in both groups suggest an altered balance between erythropoiesis and iron metabolism. The index sTfR/log ferritin and (hepcidin/ferritin)/sTfR are, respectively, increased and reduced relative to controls, proportional to the severity of each thalassemia group. In conclusion, we showed in this study, for the first time in the literature, that thalassemia carriers have altered iron metabolism and erythropoiesis.
Spacing Behavior of a Non‐Larder‐Hoarding Tamiasciurus: A Study of Mearns's Squirrels in Xeric Coniferous Forests
Authors: Ramos‐Lara Nicolás , Koprowski John L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn ecosystems with seasonal fluctuations in food supply many species use two strategies to store food: larder hoarding and scatter hoarding. However, because species at different geographic locations may experience distinct environmental conditions, differences in hoarding behavior may occur. Tree squirrels in the genus Tamiasciurus display variation in hoarding behavior. Whereas red (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Douglas's (Tamiasciurus douglasii) squirrels in mesic coniferous forests defend territories centered around larder hoards maintaining non‐overlapping home ranges, red squirrels in deciduous forests defend small scatter‐hoarded caches of cones maintaining overlapping home ranges. As in other rodent species, variation in hoarding behavior appears to influence the spacing behavior of red and Douglas's squirrels. In contrast, Mearns's squirrels (Tamiasciurus mearnsi) in xeric coniferous forests neither rely on larder hoards nor appear to display territorial behavior. Unfortunately, little is known about the ecology of this southernmost Tamiasciurus. Using radiotelemetry, we estimated home‐range size, overlap, and maximum distance traveled from nest to examine the spacing behavior of Mearns's squirrels. Similar to scatter‐hoarding rodents, maximum distance traveled from nest was greater for males during mating season, whereas those of females were similar year round. Although no seasonal differences were detected, male home ranges were three times larger during mating season, whereas those of females were smaller and displayed a minor variation between seasons. Home ranges were overlapped year round but contrary to our expectations, overlap was greater during mating season for both sexes, with no detectable relationship between male home‐range size and the number of females overlapped during mating season. Overall, the results appear to support our hypothesis that in the absence of larder hoards, the spacing behavior of Mearns's squirrels should be different from larder‐hoarding congeners and more similar to scatter‐hoarding rodents.
Inverse Correlation Between Helicobacter pylori Colonization and Obesity in a Cohort of Inner City Children
Authors: Vo Hanh D. , Goli Sridhar , Gill Rupinder , Anderson Virginia , Stefanov Dimitre G. , Xu Jiliu , Kulsum‐Mecci Nazia , Schwarz Steven M. , Rabinowitz Simon S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecently, publications in adults and children have documented a potential role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in decreasing the likelihood of obesity. The present study compares the prevalence of H. pylori colonization between obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 95th percentile) and healthy weight (BMI ≥ 5th to <85th percentiles) children seen at an inner city medical center in the United States.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed clinical features, BMI, and gastric histology of consecutive children aged 1–18 years undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. BMI percentile was calculated for age and gender. Helicobacter pylori colonization was determined by histopathologic identification of the organism. Multiple logistic regression was employed to measure the association between BMI and H. pylori colonization, controlling for baseline age, gender, and presenting symptoms.ResultsAmong 340 patients (51.5% female, mean age of 10.5 ± 4.7 years), 98 (29%) were obese and 173 (51%) were healthy weight. The H. pylori colonization rate of the entire cohort was 18.5% (95% CI = 14.7–23.0%). Among obese children, 10% had H. pylori colonization compared to 21% of the healthy weight children (RR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–4.0). Conversely, 39% of noncolonized children, but only 21% of the infected children, were obese (RR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1–3.3). Multivariate analysis revealed that being colonized with H. pylori is associated with a 50% reduction in the odds of being obese (adjusted OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2–1.0).ConclusionsOur findings in a North American cohort are in agreement with studies from Asia and Europe suggesting that H. pylori infection decreases the prevalence of obesity in children. Further work to characterize the extent and nature of this relationship is warranted.
Enhanced Expression of Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Human Gastric Mucosa Modulates Th1/Th2 Pathway and Interleukin 17 Production
Authors: Larussa Tiziana , Leone Isabella , Suraci Evelina , Nazionale Immacolata , Procopio Teresa , Conforti Francesco , Abenavoli Ludovico , Hribal Marta L. , Imeneo Maria , Luzza Francesco 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundIndoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) interferes with immune responses. Host immune response against Helicobacter pylori is involved in the persistence of the infection and its related diseases.AimTo investigate the role of IDO in the regulation of Th1/Th2 and Th17 pathways in H. pylori infection.MethodsGastric biopsy samples were taken from 42 patients who underwent endoscopy and evaluated for the expression of IDO by Western blotting. Gastritis was assessed by the Sydney system score. In a subgroup of patients, biopsies were treated with the IDO inhibitor 1‐methyl‐L‐tryptophan and the expression of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) mRNA and that of T‐bet, interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and IL‐4 determined by real‐time PCR and Western blotting, respectively.ResultsIDO expression was found to be enhanced (p = .001) in gastric biopsies from H. pylori‐infected (n = 18) compared with uninfected (n = 24) patients. Levels of IDO expression were inversely related to the gastritis score (r = −.684, p = .002) in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa, but not in uninfected mucosa. In gastric biopsy cultures, IDO inhibition increased the expression of IFN‐γ mRNA (p = .014), T‐bet (p = .045), and IL‐17 (p = .02) while decreasing that of IL‐4 (p = .048).ConclusionsIn H. pylori‐infected human gastric mucosa, an enhanced expression of IDO is capable of modulating Th1/Th2 and Th17 pathways. This mechanism lowers gastric inflammation, possibly contributing to the persistence of H. pylori. Targeting the IDO pathway may be a new strategy for modulating H. pylori‐induced mucosal immune response.
Using participatory methods to enhance patient‐centred mental health care in a federally qualified community health center serving a Mexican American farmworker community
Authors: Ingram Maia , Schachter Ken A. , Guernsey de Zapien Jill , Herman Patricia M. , Carvajal Scott C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundMexican American farmworkers experience high rates of mental health conditions; however, it is difficult for them to access care. Patient‐centred care is a systems‐wide approach to improving the delivery of services for diverse populations in the primary care setting.AimWe describe the application of community‐based participatory research methods to assess and address gaps in perceptions of mental health care between providers and migrant workers living in a US–Mexico Border community.SettingA federally qualified health centre (FQHC) serving a community of approximately 60 000 agricultural workers who live in Yuma County and harvest vegetables during the winter season.DesignWe conducted patient focus groups (n = 64) and FQHC staff interviews (n = 16) to explore attributes and dimensions of patient‐centred mental health care.ResultsPatients and staff both prioritized increased access to mental health care and patient‐centred care, while patients were more concerned with interpersonal care and providers with coordination of care. All participants stressed the relationship between life events and mental health and the centrality of family in care. Patients also emphasized the importance of a good attitude, the ability to solve problems, positive family relationships and reliance on faith. Patients suggested that the FQHC inform patients about mental health resources, provide community informational talks to address stigma, and offer support groups.DiscussionThe participatory approach of this qualitative study resulted in a wealth of data regarding patient preferences that will enable the FQHC to develop protocols and training to provide patient‐centred mental health‐care services for their community.
Information needs of public health students
Authors: Lê Mê‐Linh 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe number of public health degrees and programmes is growing rapidly. This means that a diverse and multidisciplinary group of students are in need of expert library services to navigate the complicated world of public health information.ObjectiveTo better understand the information needs of public health students, a group that has not previously been studied in the information needs literature.MethodsAn online survey.ResultsOf the 153 students, 38 responded (25% response rate). Their responses indicated a strong need for more tailored library instruction sessions at the point of need as opposed to general stand‐alone sessions offered at the beginning of a term. It was also found that many students were unaware of public health specific resources available that could greatly aid them in their information needs. Suggestions were made on how to improve the library subject guide, specifically in the areas of more instructions related to locating hard to find resources (e.g. statistics, grey literature), and direct linking to resources (e.g. databases and relevant articles).ConclusionThe information needs of public health students are diverse and complex. It is imperative that the library has a solid understanding of their needs and is able to offer them targeted and relevant library services.
Plasma Pro‐C3 (N‐terminal type III collagen propeptide) predicts fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nielsen Mette J. , Veidal Sanne S. , Karsdal Morten A. , Ørsnes‐Leeming Diana J. , Vainer Ben , Gardner Stephen D. , Hamatake Robert , Goodman Zachary D. , Schuppan Detlef , Patel Keyur 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsFibrogenesis results in release of certain extracellular matrix protein fragments into the circulation. We evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic performance of two novel serological markers, the precisely cleaved N‐terminal propeptide of type III collagen (Pro‐C3) and a peptide of helical collagen type III degradation (C3M), in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.MethodPro‐C3 and C3M were measured by ELISA in plasma from CHC patients (n = 194) from a prior phase II antifibrotic trial (NCT00244751). Plasma samples and paired liver biopsies were obtained at baseline and after 1‐year. Patients were stratified according to Ishak stages 2‐4. Internal cross‐validation was performed by bootstrap analysis.ResultsPro‐C3 levels were significantly higher in CHC patients in Ishak stage 4 compared to stage 2 (P < 0.001) or 3 (P < 0.01). Pro‐C3 could significantly distinguish moderate (stage 4) from mild fibrosis (stage 2/3) (AUC = 0.72, P < 0.001). Importantly, an overall significance in Pro‐C3 (P = 0.007) levels was observed between the groups of −1, 0, +1 and +2 change in Ishak stage at 12 months. Pro‐C3 was significantly increased in group +1 (P = 0.030) and +2 (P = 0.021) compared to group 0. No significant differences were observed for C3M. In multivariate analysis, only baseline Pro‐C3, but not FibroTest, had an independent association with fibrosis progression.ConclusionsPro‐C3 is a useful test to predict fibrogenesis and monitor disease progression. Moreover, it could differentiate mild from moderate disease. Pro‐C3 may become a promising blood parameter be included in future studies for monitoring disease progression and eventually for evaluation of potential antifibrotic therapies.
A comparative study of Laryngeal Mask Airway size 1 vs i‐gel size 1 in infants undergoing daycare procedures
Authors: Pant Deepanjali , Koul Archna , Sharma Bimla , Sood Jayashree 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe i‐gel size 1 is a relatively new, single use, second generation supraglottic airway device. This prospective, randomized, observational study compares the suitability of the i‐gel size 1 with the classical Laryngeal Mask Airway (cLaryngeal Mask Airway) size 1 in pediatric patients undergoing elective daycare procedures.MethodsForty ASA I and II children (2–5 kg body weight) were randomized to two groups of 20 each, to receive either the i‐gel or the cLaryngeal Mask Airway as an airway device. The primary outcome variable was oropharyngeal seal pressure (OSP). We also assessed ease of insertion, number of insertion attempts, time taken for successful insertion and any intra‐operative complications.ResultsDemographic data did not differ between the two groups. The OSP with the i‐gel was 22.30 ± 4.72 cm H2O as compared to 18.05 ± 1.95 cm H2O with the cLaryngeal Mask Airway and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). Displacement of the airway device following change of position was reported less often with the i‐gel as compared to the cLaryngeal Mask Airway [n = 1 (5%) vs n = 5 (35%), P = 0.04]. There were no major complications with either device and rest of all the variables were comparable with both the devices.ConclusionsThe OSP of the i‐gel size 1 was higher than that of the cLaryngeal Mask Airway. This was statistically significant, although may not be of clinical significance. The i‐gel size 1 is less prone to displacement during position changes. However, being a preliminary study carried out on a small number of patients, further trials are warranted to come to any definite conclusion.
Validation of Bovine Oestrous‐Specific Synthetic Molecules with Trained Scent Dogs; Similarities Between Natural and Synthetic Oestrous Smell
Authors: Fischer‐Tenhagen C , Johnen D , Le Danvic C , Gatien J , Salvetti P , Tenhagen BA , Heuwieser W 
Published: October 2014

ContentsOestrous detection is crucial for successful dairy cow reproduction. Bulls identify cows in oestrus by oestrous‐specific odours especially in urine and vaginal fluid. These have been used to train dogs to detect cows in heat. To improve and simplify the dog training, a spray containing synthetic oestrous molecules was developed. The objective of this study was to test the spray on similarities to the natural substance thus to assess its suitability as a training substance for heat detection dogs. Ten privately owned dogs of various breeds were trained. Dogs should be trained either to differentiate natural vaginal fluid from cows in oestrus and dioestrus (n = 5), or spray with or without synthetic oestrous molecules (n = 5). Dogs trained on natural fluid and on spray could detect the oestrous odour they had been trained on with an overall accuracy of 69.0% and 82.4%, respectively (p = 0.019). To validate the synthetic molecules, dogs trained with synthetic molecules had to detect oestrous odour in natural fluid without further training (accuracy 37.6%). Dogs trained on natural fluid detected the synthetic molecules with an accuracy of 50.0% (50% vs 37.4%, p < 0.05). Dogs can recognize natural vaginal fluid from cows in oestrus after they have been trained with synthetic oestrous molecules, but accuracy needs to be improved.
Reticulate reef patterns – antecedent karst versus self‐organization
Authors: Schlager Wolfgang , Purkis Sam 
Published: October 2014

AbstractReticulate ridges of reefs and sediment in Holocene lagoons are usually interpreted as an inheritance of antecedent karst topography. Satellite imagery served as a template for integrating plan‐view geometry with published data from coring, drilling and seismic surveys to test the antecedent‐karst hypothesis. The link between karst morphology and overlying reef patterns can be demonstrated convincingly for a rather limited number of examples, particularly those on a substrate of tower karst with high relief. On very young limestones, doline karst with reticulate patterns develops very slowly because of the high porosity. Moreover, karst control can be ruled out for the significant number of reticulate reefs that are founded on terrigenous sediment or on demonstrably flat pre‐Holocene rock surfaces. One likely cause of reticulate patterns is biotic self‐organization that has been shown to generate reticulate and labyrinthic patterns of mussel beds on tidal flats and tree cover of arid ecosystems. Another pathway to reticulate reefs may be the colonization of reticulate hydrodynamic bedforms by reef builders. Thus, reticulate patterns of Holocene reef‐sediment ridges are highly ambiguous indicators of antecedent karst.
Parallel‐scanning tomosynthesis using a slot scanning technique: Fixed‐focus reconstruction and the resulting image quality
Authors: Shibata Koichi , Notohara Daisuke , Sakai Takihito 
Published: October 2014

Purpose:Parallel‐scanning tomosynthesis (PS‐TS) is a novel technique that fuses the slot scanning technique and the conventional tomosynthesis (TS) technique. This approach allows one to obtain long‐view tomosynthesis images in addition to normally sized tomosynthesis images, even when using a system that has no linear tomographic scanning function. The reconstruction technique and an evaluation of the resulting image quality for PS‐TS are described in this paper.Methods:The PS‐TS image‐reconstruction technique consists of several steps (1) the projection images are divided into strips, (2) the strips are stitched together to construct images corresponding to the reconstruction plane, (3) the stitched images are filtered, and (4) the filtered stitched images are back‐projected. In the case of PS‐TS using the fixed‐focus reconstruction method (PS‐TS‐F), one set of stitched images is used for the reconstruction planes at all heights, thus avoiding the necessity of repeating steps (1)–(3). A physical evaluation of the image quality of PS‐TS‐F compared with that of the conventional linear TS was performed using a R/F table (Sonialvision safire, Shimadzu Corp., Kyoto, Japan). The tomographic plane with the best theoretical spatial resolution (the in‐focus plane, IFP) was set at a height of 100 mm from the table top by adjusting the reconstruction program. First, the spatial frequency response was evaluated at heights of −100, −50, 0, 50, 100, and 150 mm from the IFP using the edge of a 0.3‐mm‐thick copper plate. Second, the spatial resolution at each height was visually evaluated using an x‐ray test pattern (Model No. 38, PTW Freiburg, Germany). Third, the slice sensitivity at each height was evaluated via the wire method using a 0.1‐mm‐diameter tungsten wire. Phantom studies using a knee phantom and a whole‐body phantom were also performed.Results:The spatial frequency response of PS‐TS‐F yielded the best results at the IFP and degraded slightly as the distance from the IFP increased. A visual evaluation of the spatial resolution using the x‐ray test pattern indicated that the resolution was 1.8 lp/mm at the IFP and 1.2 lp/mm at heights of −100 and 100 mm from the IFP. The authors demonstrated that a spatial resolution of 1.2–1.8 lp/mm could be obtained within heights of 200 mm of the IFP. The slice sensitivity varied between 11.1 and 13.8 mm for heights between −50 and 100 mm, and there was no critical change in the slice sensitivity within a height range of 150 mm around the IFP. The phantom results demonstrated that tomosynthesis and long‐view images could be reconstructed.Conclusions:PS‐TS‐F provides tomosynthesis images while using low‐cost systems that have no tomographic scanning function, such as tableside‐controlled universal R/F systems or universal radiographic systems.