bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting occurrence of twin pregnancy after double embryo transfer on day 3
Authors: Kim Myo Sun , Kim Ji Hee , Jee Byung Chul , Suh Chang Suk , Kim Seok Hyun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of twin gestation in fresh double day‐3 embryo transfer cycles.Material and MethodsOut of a total of 386 cycles of fresh double embryo transfers on day 3 between 2006 and 2013 at a single center, 72 women with single intrauterine gestational sac (GS) (single‐GS group) and 32 women with double GS (double‐GS group) were identified. The patients’ clinical characteristics and laboratory results were extracted from electronic medical records and were compared.ResultsThe double‐GS group had a significantly younger age (P = 0.012), and higher bodyweight (P = 0.033) compared with the single‐GS group. The total number of blastomeres (P = 0.013) and cumulative embryo score (P = 0.012) were higher in the double‐GS group. By receiver–operator curve analysis, maternal age ≤ 35 years, maternal bodyweight > 60 kg, total number of blastomeres > 14, and cumulative embryo score > 49 were the cut‐off values to predict twin pregnancy. Among eight women with all four risk factors, the twin pregnancy rate was 87.5%. There was no twin pregnancy among seven women with no risk factors.ConclusionYounger age, higher bodyweight, and better embryo quality are all associated with a higher incidence of twin pregnancy after double embryo transfer on day 3. Single embryo transfer might be advisable for couples with risk factors for twin pregnancy.
Pregnancy outcome at term in low‐risk population: Study at a tertiary obstetric hospital
Authors: Permezel Michael , Milne Katie Jean 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of perinatal death and peripartum morbidity at term amongst the models of care at a single tertiary hospital.Material and MethodsThis is a 10‐year population study of singleton births at term at the Mercy Hospital for Women comparing the mixed‐risk models of care (private obstetrician and a conventional collaborative model of obstetricians and midwives) with the low‐risk models (team midwifery and family birth center). Outcome measures included rates of perinatal death, low Apgar scores and obstetric procedures.ResultsData on 44 557 normal term singletons were available for study. Overall, the hospital has a substantially lower term singleton perinatal mortality (1.3/1000) than the reported rate from the state of Victoria over an overlapping period (2.4/1000). The perinatal mortality amongst women selected for low obstetric risk (2.3/1000) was significantly higher than the perinatal mortality in other patients (1.2/1000; P = 0.03). Low Apgar scores at 5 min were also significantly more likely in women selected for low obstetric risk (9.0 vs 6.7/1000; P = 0.03). The differences could not be attributed to socioeconomic status, as this was higher in the low obstetric risk group. Obstetric procedures (induction of labor, cesarean section and instrumental birth) were substantially less common in the low‐risk‐care patients, as is expected for a low‐risk population.ConclusionWomen selected for low‐risk under midwife‐led models of care do not appear to have better outcomes than women with all levels of perinatal risk cared for under traditional obstetrician‐led models of care.
Should magnesium sulfate be administered to women with mild pre‐eclampsia? A systematic review of published reports on eclampsia
Authors: Berhan Yifru , Berhan Asres 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimMagnesium sulfate is an evidence‐based anticonvulsant drug used to prevent and control eclampsia. Controversy persists on routine administration of magnesium sulfate in cases of pre‐eclampsia without severe features. Our objective was to assess the pattern of blood pressure and maternal symptoms preceding eclamptic seizure based on the current published work.Material and MethodsA comprehensive computer‐based publication search was conducted in the African Journals Online, Google scholar, HINARI, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases and the Cochrane library to identify descriptive study reports for blood pressure, severity symptoms or stage of pregnancy during convulsion in women with eclampsia.ResultsA total of 59 publications were eligible for this review. Overall, 21 149 eclamptic women from 26 countries were included for the interest of one or more of the selected variables. Out of 18 488 eclamptic women, the proportion of antepartum, intrapartum and post‐partum eclampsia was 59%, 20% and 21%, respectively. Out of 3443 eclamptic women, 25% were normotensive; 20% had mild‐to‐moderate hypertension; 32% had severe hypertension; and 21% were hypertensive but unclassified. Out of 2163 eclamptic women, 66% and 27% had a headache and visual disturbance, respectively, preceding the occurrence of convulsion. Out of 2053 eclamptic women, 25% had epigastric area pain, and out of 1092 women with eclampsia, 25% were asymptomatic.ConclusionAlthough eclampsia is known to result from severe pre‐eclampsia with or without organ function derangement, this review has revealed that a significant number of eclamptic women had either normal blood pressure or mild‐to‐moderate hypertension immediately before seizure. The findings are apparently in support of initiating magnesium sulfate prophylaxis to all women with mild pre‐eclampsia.
Use of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II Device to Occlude Different Types of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Pediatric Patients
Authors: GARAY FRANCISCO J. , AGUIRRE DANIEL , CÁRDENAS LUIS , SPRINGMULLER DANIEL , HEUSSER FELIPE 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionTranscatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure is difficult in small patients in part due to the diverse PDA morphology. We describe a multicenter pediatric experience using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II device (AVP II) to occlude PDA.MethodsAll patients undergoing transcatheter closure of PDA with AVP II from April 2008 until May 2012 were included. Clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic data were collected.ResultsOne hundred and seventy‐seven procedures were performed. Median age was 14 months (2–180) with median weight 9.7 kg (4.7–68). The morphological PDA classification was Type A in 66 (37.1%), Type C in 27 (15.3%), Type D in 17 (9.6%), and Type E in 67 (37.9%). The median minimum PDA diameter was 2.6 mm (1.2–7.7 mm). The implanted device sizes were: 4 mm in 17 patients (9.6%), 6 mm in 81 (45.8%), 8 mm in 56 (31.6%), 10 mm in 18 (10.2%), and 12 mm in 5 (2.8%). The implanted device was mean of 2.6 + 0.7 times the ductus narrowest diameter and mean of 1 + 0.5 times the ductus largest diameter. Complications included: one severe left pulmonary artery stenosis and one device embolization. No aortic obstruction occurred. Closure was complete in the 175 remaining patients.ConclusionsThe AVP II is an effective and safe device for PDA closure. It is particularly useful when dealing with nontypical PDA shapes and in small infants where it eliminated the risk of device‐related aortic obstruction. The AVPII is an addition to the PDA device closure armamentarium in pediatric patients.
The WNT system: background and its role in bone
Authors: Lerner U. H. , Ohlsson C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWNTs are extracellular proteins that activate different cell surface receptors linked to canonical and noncanonical WNT signalling pathways. The Wnt genes were originally discovered as important for embryonic development of fruit flies and malignant transformation of mouse mammary cancers. More recently, WNTs have been implicated in a wide spectrum of biological phenomena and diseases. During the last decade, several lines of clinical and preclinical evidence have indicated that WNT signalling is critical for trabecular and cortical bone mass, and this pathway is currently an attractive target for drug development. Based on detailed knowledge of the different WNT signalling pathways, it appears that it might be possible to develop drugs that specifically target cortical and trabecular bone. Neutralization of a bone‐specific WNT inhibitor is now being evaluated as a promising anabolic treatment for patients with osteoporosis. Here, we provide the historical background to the discoveries of WNTs, describe the different WNT signalling pathways and summarize the current understanding of how these proteins regulate bone mass by affecting bone formation and resorption.
Osteoporosis: the evolution of a diagnosis
Authors: Lorentzon M. , Cummings S. R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe global trend towards increased longevity has resulted in ageing populations and a rise in diseases or conditions that primarily affect older persons. One such condition is osteoporosis (fragile or porous bones), which causes an increased fracture risk. Vertebral and hip fractures lead to increased morbidity and mortality and result in enormous healthcare costs. Here, we review the evolution of the diagnosis of osteoporosis. In an attempt to separate patients with normal bones from those with osteoporosis and to define the osteoporosis diagnosis, multiple factors and characteristics have been considered. These include pathology and histology of the disease, the endocrine regulation of bone metabolism, bone mineral density (BMD), fracture type or trauma severity, risk models for fracture prediction, and thresholds for pharmacological intervention. The femoral neck BMD −2.5 SDs cut‐off for the diagnosis of osteoporosis is arbitrarily chosen, and there is no evidence to support the notion that fracture location (except vertebral fractures) or severity is useful to discriminate osteoporotic from normal bones. Fracture risk models (including factors unrelated to bone) dissociate bone strength from the diagnosis, and treatment thresholds are often based on health‐economic considerations rather than bone properties. Vertebral fractures are a primary feature of osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone mass, strength and quality, and a high risk of another such fracture that can be considerably reduced by treatment. We believe that the 2001 definition of osteoporosis by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Panel on Osteoporosis is still valid and useful: ‘Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture’.
The role of microRNA in nutritional control
Authors: Nolte‐’t Hoen E. N. M. , Van Rooij E. , Bushell M. , Zhang C.‐Y. , Dashwood R. H. , James W. P. T. , Harris C. , Baltimore D. 
Published: April 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one of a growing class of noncoding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of a wide range of metabolic processes including cellular differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. The generation of miRNA is regulated in complex ways, for example by small interfering RNAs (small nucleolar and nuclear RNAs) and various other metabolites. This complexity of control is likely to explain how a relatively small part of the DNA that codes for proteins has enabled the evolution of such complex organisms as mammals. Non‐protein‐coding DNA is therefore thought to carry the memory of early evolutionary steps that led to progressively complex metabolic controls. Clinically, miRNAs are becoming increasingly important following the recognition that some congenital abnormalities can be traced to defects in miRNA processing. The potential for manipulating metabolism and affecting disease processes by the pharmaceutical or biological targeting of specific miRNA pathways is now being tested. miRNAs are also released into the extracellular milieu after packaging by cells into nano‐sized extracellular vesicles. Such vesicles can be taken up by adjacent and possibly more distant cells, thereby allowing coordinated intercellular communication in specific tissues. Extracellular miRNAs found in the blood stream may also serve as novel biomarkers for both diagnosing specific forms of cancer and assessing the likelihood of metastasis, and as powerful prognostic indices for various cancers. Here, we discuss the role of intracellular and extracellular miRNAs in nutritional control of various (patho)physiological processes. In this review, we provide an update of the presentations from the 25th Marabou Symposium (Stockholm, 14–16 June 2013) entitled ‘Role of miRNA in health and nutrition’, attended by 50 international experts.FOR A COMPILATION OF THE GENERAL DISCUSSION AT THE MARABOU SYMPOSIUM, click here http://www.marabousymposium.org/
Panelists' Performances and Strategies in Paper‐Based and Computer‐Based Projective Mapping
Authors: Savidan Capucine H. , Morris Cecile 
Published: April 2015

AbstractProjective mapping has recently attracted a lot of attention and the main sensory data acquisition software packages have developed interfaces to collect projective mapping data. However, the comparison between paper‐ and computer‐based projective mapping has never been reported. The objectives of this research were to (1) compare the consensus maps and panelists' performances for paper‐ and computer‐based projective mapping and (2) analyze the panelists' strategies while performing either tasks. In the first part of the study, 32 panelists were asked to perform both paper‐ and computer‐based projective mapping on eight beer samples. In a second part of the study, 10 panelists were asked to repeat the tasks while “thinking aloud” their strategy. There was no significant difference in panelists' performance as assessed by the people performance index between the paper and computer tasks. The consensus maps obtained were similar with respect to sample groupings, RV coefficients and variation explained by the first two dimensions. Individual panelists adopted similar strategies on paper and computer, but strategies differed greatly between panelists.Practical ApplicationsThe results reported here will help panel leaders in making informed decisions with respect to support choice when designing projective mapping tests. Additionally, an insight into the diversity of panelists' mapping strategies is provided which may inform further research and discussion into the most appropriate instructions given to panelists and/or type of panel used.
Relationships between maternal overweight prior to pregnancy, feeding mode and infant feeding beliefs and practices
Authors: Rametta Emily , Mallan Kimberley M , Daniels Lynne , de Jersey Susan J 
Published: April 2015

AimThis study aimed to examine whether pre‐pregnancy weight status was associated with maternal feeding beliefs and practices in the early post‐partum period.MethodsThis study uses secondary analysis of longitudinal data from Australian mothers. Participants (n = 486) were divided into two weight status groups based on self‐reported pre‐pregnancy weight and measured height: healthy weight (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2; n = 321) and overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2; n = 165). Feeding beliefs and practices were self‐reported via an established questionnaire that assessed concerns about infant overeating and undereating, awareness of infant cues, feeding to a schedule and using food to calm.ResultsInfants of overweight mothers were more likely to have been given solid foods in the previous 24 h (29% vs. 20%) and fewer were fully breastfed (50% vs. 64%). Multivariable regression analyses (adjusted for maternal education, parity, average infant weekly weight gain, feeding mode and introduction of solids) revealed that pre‐pregnancy weight status was not associated with using food to calm, concern about undereating, awareness of infant cues or feeding to a schedule. However, feeding mode was associated with feeding beliefs and practices.ConclusionsAlthough no evidence for a relationship between maternal weight status and early maternal feeding beliefs and practices was observed, differences in feeding mode and early introduction of solids were observed. The emergence of a relationship between feeding practices and maternal weight status may occur when the children are older, solid feeding is established and they become more independent in feeding.
New Records of Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera from Nigeria and Fruit of Cocos nucifera From Mexico
Authors: Dugan Frank M. , Lupien Shari L. , Osuagwu Ann N. , Uyoh Edak A. , Okpako Elza , Kisha Ted 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe cosmopolitan warm‐climate plant pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae was isolated from two sources: Seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera from Nigeria and fruits of Cocos nucifera from Mexico; the former instance is novel for host, the latter a novel geographic record for infection of coconut fruits. Per cent germination of T. tetraptera seeds was negatively and significantly correlated with per cent infection by the fungus. Repeated tests with isolates from both coconut and Tetrapleura confirmed pathogenicity of all tested isolates to coconut fruit.
Effects of Fish Meal Replacement by a Soybean Protein on Growth, Histology, Selected Immune and Oxidative Status Markers of Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurata
Authors: Kokou Fotini , Sarropoulou Elena , Cotou Efthimia , Rigos George , Henry Morgane , Alexis Maria , Kentouri Maroudio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe purpose of the trial was to study the impact of a 6‐mo dietary administration of soybean protein on growth, liver and intestine morphology, immune response, and oxidative stress in gilthead sea bream. The immune response was evaluated by performing immunological assays in blood, head kidney (HK), or serum (respiratory burst activity [RBA], myeloperoxidase content and bacteriolytic activity) and gene expression analysis of immune‐associated genes (MHCIIα [major histocompatibility complex IIα], β2m [β‐2‐microglobulin], CSF‐1R [colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor], NCCRP‐1 [nonspecific cytotoxic cell receptor protein 1], TGF‐β1 [transforming growth factor beta‐1], and HSP70 [heat‐shock protein 70]) in HK and intestine. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the activity of liver enzymes associated with antioxidant system. The soybean protein was administrated in the diets at 20, 40, and 60% levels and its effects were evaluated compared with a fish meal diet. Growth and feed efficiency were affected negatively from 40% level. Increased RBA and expression levels of TGF‐β1 and β2m were found in HK only at 40% level. In intestine, at 60% level CSF‐1R expression was upregulated and some signs of inflammation were evident. In liver, at 60% level lipid accumulation in hepatocytes was observed and enzyme activity was increased. Dietary administration of soybean protein indicated changes from 40% in growth and immune response, and exerted an antioxidative effect at 60% level.
Growth of Red Abalone, Haliotis rufescens, Fed Cold‐stored Benthic Diatoms
Authors: Sánchez‐Saavedra M. Del Pilar , Núñez‐Zarco Estrella 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe measured the proximal composition of four benthic diatoms that were stored for 24 mo in the dark at low temperature (4 C by refrigeration) and examined their potential as feed for abalone, Haliotis rufescens, postlarvae. The proximal composition of the four diatoms was modified by species‐specific responses as a function of time in storage. The cultures of all stored diatoms contained low or undetectable concentrations of Vibrio‐like bacteria (<0.01 VLB/mL). As feed for abalone postlarvae, the four diatoms promoted growth under all experimental conditions. Greater shell lengths were measured on Day 14 when Navicula sp. and Navicula incerta were used as feed. Postlarvae that were fed N. incerta and Navicula sp. had higher growth rates. In contrast, lower growth rates were observed on Day 7 with fresh and stored Nitzschia thermalis as food. Survival was high in postlarvae that were fed the four stored diatoms (100%). This report demonstrates that cultures of benthic diatoms that have been stored by refrigeration for 24 mo can be used to feed abalone postlarvae and have an effect on improving growth and survival.
Large‐scale variation of size‐ and age‐related life‐history traits in the common frog: a sensitive test case for macroecological rules
Authors: Sinsch U. , Pelster B. , Ludwig G. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe potential causes underlying geographical variation of 12 age‐ and size‐related life‐history traits were studied in the common frog Rana temporaria. The meta‐analysis was based on own field data obtained in the Austrian Alps and additionally on published studies on 35 populations covering the whole range of latitudinal, longitudinal and altitudinal distribution. This extensive dataset allowed for co‐variance analyses evaluating the statistical support for five hypotheses on large‐scale trait variation derived from general macroecological rules. Contrary to Bergmann's rule, adult frogs' body size variation was unrelated to latitude (and altitude), but co‐varied with age as expected for a species that grows indeterminately. Unlike the prediction of Rensch's rule, the slight female‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD) did not differ significantly among populations with small and large average female size. SSD increased with altitude, but did not co‐vary with latitude, longitude and age, disagreeing with the predictions of the differential‐plasticity hypothesis. Common frogs at higher altitudes and latitudes reached reproductive maturity at significantly older ages and enjoyed an increased longevity as well. However, potential reproductive lifespan increased significantly only with altitude, compensating for the smaller clutches relative to body size in alpine populations. In conclusion, body size variation of common frogs does not actually mirror geographical gradients, but differences in age, a factor unconsidered in Bergmann's and Rensch's rules. Large‐scale environmental gradients are therefore good predictors of age‐related traits. Combining the local co‐variation of the single traits age, body size, clutch size and reproductive lifespan to calculate the resulting female lifetime fecundity (FLF), surprisingly little variation of the derived trait FLF is observed across the geographical range of the common frog. The ultimate cause of variation in age‐ and size‐related life‐history traits seems to be the selection for an optimal FLF.
Latino Education
Authors: Fuller Janet , Hosemann Aimee 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we review scholarship on Latino Education in the US from the perspectives of positionalities – how are Latinos positioned in the educational process? We look at positions in terms of the type of educational program, particularly for English language learners, and at how the relationships within the school and classroom position Latinos in different ways. We further look at how racial category and ethnicity are evoked as ways of positioning Latino students and then also examine the role of socioeconomic class in their positioning. Finally, we explore how language – English, Spanish, and multilingualism – is part of the positioning of US Latinos in educational contexts.