bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conception via in vitro fertilization and delivery by Caesarean section are associated with paediatric asthma incidence
Authors: Guibas G. V. , Moschonis G. , Xepapadaki P. , Roumpedaki E. , Androutsos O. , Manios Y. , Papadopoulos N. G. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe association between perinatal factors and asthma inception is under rigorous investigation. Nevertheless, evidence of a correlation between asthma, conception via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and delivery through Caesarean section (C‐section) is inconclusive.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the relation of asthma incidence with IVF and C‐section, after controlling for several potential confounding factors.MethodsParent‐reported wheeze in the last 12 months (current), wheeze ever, physician‐diagnosed asthma, method of conception, and type of delivery were recorded from questionnaires filled in by the parents of 2016 Greek children aged 9–13, (the Healthy Growth Study population). Some perinatal data were recorded from children's medical records and others were reported by parents; anthropometric measurements were also conducted in children.ResultsIVF was correlated with physician‐diagnosed asthma (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.11–4.56), but not with current/ever wheeze after adjustment for potential confounding factors. After adjustment, C‐section was also associated with asthma (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.04–1.87), but not with current/ever wheeze. When the association of both IVF and C‐section with asthma was examined in the same multivariate logistic regression model, it was weakened to borderline significance (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1–4.15 and OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1–1.81 respectively).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceConception via IVF and delivery by C‐section may predispose children to future asthma development. Either variable could also exert a confounding effect on the link of the other to asthma; this may partially be accountable for inconsistencies in the findings of pertinent studies.
Early supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 reduces eczema prevalence to 6 years: does it also reduce atopic sensitization?
Authors: Wickens K. , Stanley T. V. , Mitchell E. A. , Barthow C. , Fitzharris P. , Purdie G. , Siebers R. , Black P. N. , Crane J. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe role of probiotics in prevention of allergic disease is still not clear; efficacy may depend on the timing, dose, duration, and specific probiotic used. Using a double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12607000518460), we have shown that in a high‐risk birth cohort, maternal supplementation from 35 weeks gestation until 6 months if breastfeeding and infant supplementation from birth until 2 years with Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) (6 × 109 cfu/day) halved the cumulative prevalence of eczema at 2 and 4 years. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis HN019 (HN019) (9 × 109 cfu/day) had no significant effect.ObjectiveTo determine whether differences in effects of HN001 and HN019 on eczema persist to age 6 years, and to investigate effects on sensitization.MethodsStandard procedures were used to assess eczema (The UK Working Party's Criteria), eczema severity (SCORAD), atopic sensitization [skin prick tests (SPT), total and specific IgE] and standard questions used for asthma, wheeze, and rhinoconjunctivitis.ResultsHN001 was associated with significantly lower cumulative prevalence of eczema (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.80), SCORAD ≥ 10 (HR = 0.69, 0.49–0.98) and SPT sensitization (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.99). The point prevalence of eczema (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–1.00), SCORAD ≥ 10 (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.38–1.01) and SPT sensitization (RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–1.00) were also reduced among children taking HN001. HN019 had no significant effect on any outcome.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThis study provides evidence for the efficacy of the probiotic L. rhamnosus HN001 in preventing the development of eczema and possibly also atopic sensitization in high risk infants to age 6 years. The absence of a similar effect for HN019 indicates that benefits may be species specific.
Portal vein omentin is increased in patients with liver cirrhosis but is not associated with complications of portal hypertension
Authors: Eisinger Kristina , Krautbauer Sabrina , Wiest Reiner , Karrasch Thomas , Hader Yvonne , Scherer Marcus N. , Farkas Stefan , Aslanidis Charalampos , Buechler Christa 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundOmentin is a visceral fat–derived adipokine associated with endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Impaired endothelial function is a major cause of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. The aim was to assess associations of omentin with systemic markers of endothelial function, namely arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and complications of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.Materials and methodsSystemic omentin was measured by ELISA in portal venous serum (PVS), systemic venous serum (SVS) and hepatic venous serum (HVS) of 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and 10 liver‐healthy controls. ADMA and arginine were determined in SVS of the patients by ELISA.ResultsOmentin is elevated in PVS and tends to be increased in SVS and HVS of patients with liver cirrhosis compared with controls. Omentin is principally expressed in visceral fat, and PVS omentin tends to be higher than SVS levels. Lower HVS than PVS omentin suggests that omentin may be partly removed from the circulation by the liver. Omentin in serum is not associated with stages of liver cirrhosis defined by CHILD‐POUGH or MELD score and is not affected in patients with ascites. HVS omentin tends to be reduced in patients with large varices compared with patients without/with small varices. Arginine/ADMA ratio is reduced in patients with massive ascites but is not associated with variceal size. Further, Arginine/ADMA ratio does not correlate with omentin.ConclusionCurrent data show that PVS omentin is increased in liver cirrhosis but is not associated with complications of portal hypertension.
Impact of opening a new emergency department on healthcare service and patient outcomes: analyses based on linking ambulance, emergency and hospital databases
Authors: Crilly J. , O'Dwyer J. , Lind J. , Tippett V. , Thalib L. , O'Dwyer M. , Keijzers G. , Wallis M. , Bost N. , Shiels S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground: Emergency department (ED) crowding caused by access block is an increasing public health issue and has been associated with impaired healthcare delivery, negative patient outcomes and increased staff workload.AimTo investigate the impact of opening a new ED on patient and healthcare service outcomes.MethodsA 24‐month time series analysis was employed using deterministically linked data from the ambulance service and three ED and hospital admission databases in Queensland, Australia.ResultsTotal volume of ED presentations increased 18%, while local population growth increased by 3%. Healthcare service and patient outcomes at the two pre‐existing hospitals did not improve. These outcomes included ambulance offload time: (Hospital A PRE: 10 min, POST: 10 min, P < 0.001; Hospital B PRE: 10 min, POST: 15 min, P < 0.001); ED length of stay: (Hospital A PRE: 242 min, POST: 246 min, P < 0.001; Hospital B PRE: 182 min, POST: 210 min, P < 0.001); and access block: (Hospital A PRE: 41%, POST: 46%, P < 0.001; Hospital B PRE: 23%, POST: 40%, P < 0.001). Time series modelling indicated that the effect was worst at the hospital furthest away from the new ED.ConclusionsAn additional ED within the region saw an increase in the total volume of presentations at a rate far greater than local population growth, suggesting it either provided an unmet need or a shifting of activity from one sector to another. Future studies should examine patient decision making regarding reasons for presenting to a new or pre‐existing ED. There is an inherent need to take a ‘whole of health service area’ approach to solve crowding issues.
Incorporating macadamia oil and butter to reduce dietary omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake
Authors: Wood Katie E. , Mantzioris Evangeline , Gibson Robert A. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAim:  Claims have been made that the level of omega‐6 fats in the diet is too high and that this cannot be reduced without increasing the saturated fat intake. The aim of this study was to design a diet within the framework of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) which would supply <2% energy (% E) from the omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), linoleic acid, compared with the 4–5% E in the current Australian diet.Methods:  Separate seven‐day diet plans were designed using FoodWorks (version 2009) for males (10 000 kJ)/day) and females (8000 kJ/day). The reduction in dietary omega‐6 PUFA content was achieved by replacing standard plant‐based oils and spreads used in cooking and baking (canola and sunflower oils) with macadamia oil and butter, and restricting the intake of some processed foods. All diets complied with the AGHE.Results:  We successfully designed diets which complied with the AGHE and which had a linoleic acid (LA) content of 1.80% E and 1.75% E in females and males, respectively. In both cases, the omega‐6 : omega‐3 ratio was reduced to 5.1:1, compared with ∼12:1 in the typical Australian diet, and the saturated fat content was <10% E.Conclusion:  These results suggest that reducing the LA content of the diet can be readily achieved within the boundaries set by the AGHE, without an increase in saturated fat intake.
Tailoring the Piezoelectric and Relaxor Properties of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 via Zirconium Doping
Authors: Glaum Julia , Simons Hugh , Acosta Matias , Hoffman Mark 
Published: June 2013

This article details the influence of zirconium doping on the piezoelectric properties and relaxor characteristics of 94(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–6Ba(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (BNT–6BZT) bulk ceramics. Neutron diffraction measurements of BNT–6BZT doped with 0%–15% Zr revealed an electric‐field‐induced transition of the average crystal structure from pseudo‐cubic to rhombohedral/tetragonal symmetries across the entire compositional range. The addition of Zr up to 10% stabilizes this transition, resulting in saturated polarization hysteresis loops with a maximum polarization of 40 μC/cm2 at 5.5 kV/mm, while corresponding strain hysteresis measurements yield a maximum strain of 0.3%. With further Zr addition, the ferroelectric order is progressively destabilized and typical relaxor characteristics such as double peaks in the current density loops are observed. In the strain hysteresis, this destabilization leads to an increase of the maximum strain by 0.05%. These changes to the physical behavior caused by Zr addition are consistent with a reduction of the transition temperature TF‐R, above which the field‐induced transformation from the relaxor to ferroelectric state becomes reversible.
Formation Mechanisms of Ti3SnC2 Nanolaminate Carbide Using Fe as Additive
Authors: Ouabadi Nadia , Gauthier‐Brunet Véronique , Cabioc'h Thierry , Bei Guo‐Ping , Dubois Sylvain 
Published: June 2013

Reactive sintering of 3Ti:Sn:2C and 3Ti:Sn:2C:0.6Fe powder mixtures is studied in the temperature range 510°C–1200°C under argon. It is demonstrated that the recently discovered Ti3SnC2 phase is formed, provided that Fe is added to a 3Ti:Sn:2C reactant mixture within the synthesis conditions used. Using dilatometric and X‐Ray diffraction analyses, the formation mechanism of Ti3SnC2 is discussed. Results show that at low temperature (about 510°C), tin is consumed to form FexSny intermetallics. At high temperature (about 1060°C), tin is newly available to form Ti3SnC2 due to the melting of FexSny. Then, the intermediate phases, TiC and Ti2SnC, and/or Ti5Sn3, TiC, C, and Ti are dissolved in the (Fe + Sn) liquid phase and Ti3SnC2 very likely precipitate from the melt. The second part of the study deals with the optimization of the Fe content in the initial 3Ti:Sn:2C reactant powder mixture to synthesize samples with larger Ti3SnC2 content by hot isostatic pressing.
A probabilistic approach to niche‐based community models for spatial forecasts of assemblage properties and their uncertainties
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Espíndola Anahí , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas , Dubuis Anne , Pottier Julien , Ferrier Simon , Guisan Antoine 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimConservation strategies need predictions that capture spatial community composition and structure. Currently, the methods used to generate these predictive maps generally focus on deterministic processes and omit stochasticity and other uncertainty in model outputs. Here we present a novel approach to model the means and variance of assemblage properties.LocationThe western Swiss Alps.MethodsWe propose a new approach to processing probabilistic predictions derived from stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) in order to predict and assess the uncertainty in predictions of community properties. We compare the utility of our novel approach with that of a traditional threshold‐based approach. We used data sampled in 2009 and 2010 from 192 sites in total for mountain butterfly communities spanning a large elevational gradient as a case study and evaluated the ability of our approach to model the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of communities within an ensemble forecasting framework.ResultsOur approach allowed mapping of the variability in species richness and phylogenetic diversity projections, in addition to the mean, for 78 butterfly species. S‐SDMs reproduced the observed decrease in phylogenetic diversity and species richness with elevation, a consequence of environmental filtering. The prediction accuracy of community properties varied along environmental gradients: at low elevations, variability was higher for predictions of species richness while it was the opposite for phylogenetic diversity.Main conclusionsThe use of our probabilistic approach to process species distribution model outputs in order to reconstruct communities provides an improved picture of the range of possible assemblage realizations under similar environmental conditions given modelling uncertainty, and helps to inform managers of the usefulness of modelling results.
Treatment of Cheyne‐Stokes Respiration Reduces Arrhythmic Events in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Bitter Thomas , Gutleben Klaus‐Jürgen , Nölker Georg , Westerheide Nina , Prinz Christian , Dimitriadis Zisis , Horstkotte Dieter , Vogt Jürgen , Oldenburg Olaf 
Published: June 2013

Cheyne‐Stokes Respiration and ArrhythmiasObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether adequate treatment of Cheyne‐Stokes respiration (CSR) reduces the risk of arrhythmic events in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).MethodsA cohort of 403 registry patients with CHF (LVEF≤45%, NYHA‐class≥2) and implanted cardioverter‐defibrillator devices (ICD) was studied. They underwent overnight polygraphy, with 221 having mild or no CSR (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI]<15/h), and 182 having moderate to severe CSR (AHI>15/h). Latter ones were offered therapy with adaptive servoventilation (ASV), which 96 patients accepted and 86 rejected. During follow‐up (21± 15 months) defibrillator therapies were recorded in addition to clinical and physiologic measures of heart failure severity.ResultsEvent‐free survival from (a) appropriate cardioverter‐defibrillator therapies and (b) appropriately monitored ventricular arrhythmias was shorter in the untreated CSR group compared to the treated CSR and the no CSR group. Stepwise Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed untreated CSR (a: hazard ratio [HR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–2.72, P < 0.001; b: HR 2.19, 95%CI 1.42–3.37, P < 0.001), but not treated CSR (a: HR 1.06, 95%CI 0.74–1.50; P = 0.77; b: HR 1.21, 95%CI 0.75–1.93, P = 0.43) was an independent risk factor. The treated CSR group showed improvements in cardiac function and respiratory stability compared to the untreated CSR group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a decrease of appropriate defibrillator therapies by ASV treated CSR in patients with CHF and ICD. A reduced exposure to hyperventilation, hypoxia, and improvement in indices of CHF severity and neurohumoral disarrangements are potential causative mechanisms.
Feasibility and reproducibility of spleen transient elastography and its role in combination with liver transient elastography for predicting the severity of chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Fraquelli M. , Giunta M. , Pozzi R. , Rigamonti C. , Della Valle S. , Massironi S. , Conti C. B. , Aghemo A. , Ronchi G. , Iurlo A. , Primignani M. , Conte D. , Colombo M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryLiver transient elastography (L‐TE) is a reliable, noninvasive predictor of disease severity in chronic liver disease of viral aetiology (CLD). Owing to the relationships among severity of CLD, portal hypertension and spleen involvement, the assessment of splenic stiffness (S‐TE) may have an added value in staging CLD. Of 132 CLD patients of viral aetiology, 48 with myeloproliferative disorders (MD) and 64 healthy volunteers (HV), were concurrently investigated by both L‐TE and S‐TE. Liver disease severity was staged by liver biopsy (LB; Metavir) taken concurrently with TE examination and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy for gastro‐oesophageal varices. The S‐TE inter‐observer agreement was analysed by an intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC); L‐TE and S‐TE accuracy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis assessed the independent effect of L‐TE and S‐TE as predictors of hepatic fibrosis stage. S‐TE failed in 22 CLD (16.6%), 12 (25%) MD and 12 (18%) HV. In the three groups, the ICC was 0.89 (0.84–0.92), 0.90 (0.85–0.94) and 0.86(0.80–0.91), respectively. In the CLD group, L‐TE and S‐TE independently predicted significant fibrosis (OR 5.2 and 4.6) and cirrhosis (OR 7.8 and 9.1), but at variance from L‐TE, S‐TE was independent from liver necroinflammation and steatosis. The NPV of S‐TE for gastro‐oesophageal varices was 100% using a 48 kPa cut‐off. In CLD, spleen stiffness alone or in combination with hepatic stiffness can be reliably and reproducibly assessed by TE with the added value of improving the noninvasive diagnosis of severe liver disease and excluding the presence of oesophageal varices.
The EAL domain containing protein STM2215 (rtn) is needed during Salmonella infection and has cyclic di‐GMP phosphodiesterase activity
Authors: Zheng Yi , Sambou Tounkang , Bogomolnaya Lydia M. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , McClelland Michael , Andrews‐Polymenis Helene 
Published: June 2013

SummarySalmonella Typhimurium gene STM2215 (rtn) is conserved among many enterobacteriaceae. Mutants lacking STM2215 poorly colonized the liver and spleen in intraperitoneal infection of mice and poorly colonized the intestine and deeper tissues in oral infection. These phenotypes were complemented by a wild‐type copy of STM2215 provided in trans. STM2215 deletion mutants grew normally in J774A.1 murine macrophages but were unable to invade Caco‐2 colonic epithelial cells. Consistent with this finding, mutants in STM2215 produced lower levels of effectors of the TTSS‐1. STM2215 is a predicted c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase, but lacks identifiable sensor domains. Biochemical analysis of STM2215 determined that it is located in the inner membrane and has c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase activity in vitro dependent on an intact EAL motif. Unlike some previously identified members of this family, STM2215 did not affect motility, was expressed on plates, and in liquid media at late exponential and early stationary phase during growth. Defined mutations in STM2215 revealed that neither the predicted periplasmic domain nor the anchoring of the protein to the inner membrane is necessary for the activity of this protein during infection. However, the EAL domain of STM2215 is required during infection, suggesting that its phosphodiesterase activity is necessary during infection.
Aspartic proteinases of Candida spp.: role in pathogenicity and antifungal resistance
Authors: Silva Naiara C. , Nery Jéssica M. , Dias Amanda L. T. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryFungal infections represent a serious health risk as they are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised individuals. Candida spp. pathogenicity depends on several factors and secreted aspartic proteinases (Sap) are considered one of the most critical factors as they are associated with adhesion, invasion and tissue damage. The production of proteinases is encoded by a family of 10 genes known as SAP, which are distributed differently among the species. The expression of these genes may be influenced by environmental conditions, which generally result in a higher fungal invasive potential. Non‐pathogenic Candida spp. usually have fewer SAP genes, which are not necessarily expressed in the genome. Exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of antifungal agents promotes the development of resistant strains with an increased expression of SAP genes. In general, Candida spp. isolates that are resistant to antifungals show a higher secretion of Sap than the susceptible isolates. The relationship between Sap secretion and the susceptibility profile of the isolates is of great interest, although the role of SAPs in the development of resistance to antifungal agents remains still unclear. This review is the first one to address these issues.
Esophagogastric Junction pressure morphology: comparison between a station pull‐through and real‐time 3D‐HRM representation
Authors: Nicodème F. , Lin Z. , Pandolfino J. E. , Kahrilas P. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundEsophagogastric junction (EGJ) competence is the fundamental defense against reflux making it of great clinical significance. However, characterizing EGJ competence with conventional manometric methodologies has been confounded by its anatomic and physiological complexity. Recent technological advances in miniaturization and electronics have led to the development of a novel device that may overcome these challenges.MethodsNine volunteer subjects were studied with a novel 3D‐HRM device providing 7.5 mm axial and 45° radial pressure resolution within the EGJ. Real‐time measurements were made at rest and compared to simulations of a conventional pull‐through made with the same device. Moreover, 3D‐HRM recordings were analyzed to differentiate contributing pressure signals within the EGJ attributable to lower esophageal sphincter (LES), diaphragm, and vasculature.Key Results3D‐HRM recordings suggested that sphincter length assessed by a pull‐through method greatly exaggerated the estimate of LES length by failing to discriminate among circumferential contractile pressure and asymmetric extrinsic pressure signals attributable to diaphragmatic and vascular structures. Real‐time 3D EGJ recordings found that the dominant constituents of EGJ pressure at rest were attributable to the diaphragm.Conclusions & Inferences3D‐HRM permits real‐time recording of EGJ pressure morphology facilitating analysis of the EGJ constituents responsible for its function as a reflux barrier making it a promising tool in the study of GERD pathophysiology. The enhanced axial and radial recording resolution of the device should facilitate further studies to explore perturbations in the physiological constituents of EGJ pressure in health and disease.