bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Mosaicism Is a Significant Contributor to Discordant Sex Chromosomal Aneuploidies Associated with Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Chen Yan , Tian Feng , Zhang Jianguang , Song Zhuo , Wu Yi , Han Xu , Hu Wenjing , Ma Duan , Cram David , Cheng Weiwei 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the human fetus, sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are as prevalent as the common autosomal trisomies 21, 18, and 13. Currently, most noninvasive prenatal tests (NIPTs) offer screening only for chromosomes 21, 18, and 13, because the sensitivity and specificity are markedly higher than for the sex chromosomes. Limited studies suggest that the reduced accuracy associated with detecting SCAs is due to confined placental, placental, or true fetal mosaicism. We hypothesized that an altered maternal karyotype may also be an important contributor to discordant SCA NIPT results.METHODSWe developed a rapid karyotyping method that uses massively parallel sequencing to measure the degree of chromosome mosaicism. The method was validated with DNA models mimicking XXX and XO mosaicism and then applied to maternal white blood cell (WBC) DNA from patients with discordant SCA NIPT results.RESULTSSequencing karyotyping detected chromosome X (ChrX) mosaicism as low as 5%, allowing an accurate assignment of the maternal X karyotype. In a prospective NIPT study, we showed that 16 (8.6%) of 181 positive SCAs were due to an abnormal maternal ChrX karyotype that masked the true contribution of the fetal ChrX DNA fraction.CONCLUSIONSThe accuracy of NIPT for ChrX and ChrY can be improved substantially by integrating the results of maternal-plasma sequencing with those for maternal-WBC sequencing. The relatively high frequency of maternal mosaicism warrants mandatory WBC testing in both shotgun sequencing– and single-nucleotide polymorphism–based clinical NIPT after the finding of a potential fetal SCA.
Supporting arts and health evaluation: Report of a UK knowledge transfer partnership
Authors: Daykin Norma , Attwood Megan , Willis Jane 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Despite increasing calls for a robust evidence base, there is no clear consensus surrounding appropriate methodologies for evaluation of the impact of arts on health and well-being. Commissioners and stakeholders often require evidence of measurable outcomes, but quantitative evaluation does not provide a complete picture of impact, neither can it explain the effects of arts. Further, outcomes and impact evaluation must be balanced with process evaluation to guide the development of practice. Practitioners face significant challenges in responding to these issues, including evaluation capacity, knowledge, skills and resources. This article reports on a project that supported the arts and health field by generating knowledge, resources and support for evaluation. A two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between an Arts and Health consultancy and a University explored evaluation issues and developed strategies with practitioners. A guided evaluation model, in which external evaluators worked alongside practitioners in an iterative process, was developed. While resourcing such partnerships is challenging, our project demonstrates that they can strengthen sustainable evaluation, generating evidence for local commissioning as well as contributing to longer-term research agendas.
Highlights on Artificial Insemination (AI) Technology in the Pigs
Authors: Khalifa Tarek , Rekkas Constantinos , Samartzi Foteini , Lymberopoulos Aristotelis , Kousenidis Kostas , Dovenski Toni 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a tremendous increase in the development of field AI services in the majority of countries concerned with pig production. The objective of this paper is to review: (a) the current status of swine AI in the world, (b) significance and limitation of AI with liquid and frozen semen, (c) the biological traits of porcine semen in relation to in vitro sperm storage, (d) the criteria used for selection of a boar stud as a semen supplier, (e) how to process boar semen for liquid and frozen storage in the commercial settings and (f) how to improve fertility and prolificacy of boar semen. More than 99% of the inseminations conducted worldwide are made with liquid-stored semen. AI with frozen semen is used only for upgrading the genetic base in a particular country or herd. Determining the initial quality of semen ejaculates along with the selection of the optimum storage extender has a profound effect on the quality and fertility of AI doses. Different procedures have been used for improving the fertility of preserved spermatozoa including colloidal centrifugation of the semen, intrauterine insemination and modulation of the uterine defense mechanism after AI. Development of an efficient protocol for synchronizing the time of ovulation in sows and gilts coupled with improving uterine horn insemination technique will make a breakthrough in the commercial use of frozen boar semen.
Beneficial effect of melatonin treatment on age-related insulin resistance and on the development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tresguerres Jesus A.F. , Cuesta Sara , Kireev Roman A. , Garcia Cruz , Acuña-Castroviejo Dario , Vara Elena 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper will review the effect of aging on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in pancreas and in peripheral tissues and how melatonin administration could affect these parameters. In SAMP8 mice insulin levels in plasma were found to be increased together with enhanced HOMA-IR values, whereas insulin content in pancreas showed a decrease with aging. Aging in SAMP8 mice was also associated with a significant increase in the relative expression of both protein and mRNA of different pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, aging was associated with a decrease in the expression of Pdx-1, FoxO 1 and FoxO 3A and Sirt 1 in pancreas SAMP8 samples. Melatonin administration was able to reduce these age-related alterations, decreasing plasma insulin levels and increasing its pancreatic content in SAMP8 mice. HOMA-IR was decreased with melatonin treatment in all animals. Conversely, in SAMP8 mice, melatonin treatment decreased the expression of glucagon, GLUT2, somatostatin and insulin. Furthermore it was also able to increase the expression of Sirt 1, Pdx-1 and FoxO 3A. The present study has shown that aging is associated with significant alterations in the relative expression of pancreatic genes involved in both insulin secretion and glucose metabolism and that these are associated with an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress. Melatonin administration was able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and thus to improve pancreatic function in old mice. By doing so, insulin resistance is diminished and plasma insulin is reduced, enhancing insulin pancreatic content and reducing plasma glucose levels and HOMA index.
Cue-Based Feeding in the NICU: Using the Infant’s Communication as a Guide
Authors: Shaker Catherine S. 
Published: November 2013

Although studies have shown cue-based feeding can lead to earlier achievement of full oral feeding, the successful implementation of cue-based feeding has been constrained by the volume-driven culture, which has existed for many years in the NICU. This culture was built on the notion that a “better” nurse is one who could “get more in,” and infants who are “poor feeders” are ones who “can’t take enough.” The infant who feeds faster is often viewed as more skilled in this task-oriented approach.The feeding relationship and the infant’s communication about the experience of feeding may not be nurtured. This article will explain the central role of the preterm infant’s communication in successful cue-based feeding. When the infant is perceived as having meaningful behavior (i.e., communicative intent), the focus changes from a volume-driven to a co-regulated approach, through which the infant guides the caregiver. This is cue-based feeding.
A Randomized, Double Blind Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Palonosetron with Dexamethasone Versus Palonosetron Alone for Prevention of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting in Subjects Undergoing Bariatric Surgeries with High Emetogenic Risk
Authors: Didehvar S. , Viola-Blitz J.D. , Haile M. , Franco L. , Kline R. , Kurian M. , Fielding G. , Ren C. , Bekker A. 
Published: November 2013

Introduction:
Postoperative (PONV) and postdischarge (PDNV) nausea and vomiting are common (60-70%) after bariatric surgery. Palonosetron (Pal), a novel 5-HT3 antagonist, is an effective antiemetic with a prolonged duration of action in the setting of PDNV. We hypothesized that combination therapy with Palonosetron (Pal) and dexamethasone (Dex) would improve treatment in comparison to Palonosetron alone in patients at high risk for PONV.

Methods:
In this study, patients undergoing bariatric laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, a subgroup of a larger Phase IV clinical trial of patients who had laparoscopic surgery, were randomized to 8 mg Dex + 0.075mg Pal or saline + 0.075mg Pal. Data was collected postoperatively at 2, 6, 24 and 72 hrs. A Functional Living Index-Emesis (QOL-FLIE) test was administered at 96 hrs.

Results:
We enrolled 76 ASA 1-2 patients with at least 3 PONV risk factors. Both randomization groups had a low incidence of vomiting in the PACU (Pal, 0.0%; Pal + Dex, 5.4%) as well as at 72 hours (0.0% both groups). Complete response (no vomiting, no rescue medication) was not different between treatment groups at any time intervals. Cumulative success rates over the entire 72 hrs were 60.4% (Pal alone) vs. 60.0% (Pal + Dex). Nausea scores (4 point ordinal scale) were not different between groups for any time intervals. Cumulative success scores for nausea (score = “none”; 0-72 hrs) were 41.9% for the Pal group, and 55.2% for the Pal+ Dex group. The Pal + Dex group showed a trend toward greater satisfaction on the QOL-FLIE scores with the greatest differences in the “nausea domain”.

Discussion:
The combination therapy (Pal + Dex) did not significantly reduce the incidence of PONV or PDNV when compared with Pal alone although a trend was observed indicating the possible increased efficacy of multi-drug therapy. There was no change in comparative efficacy over 72 hrs, possibly due to the low incidence of PDNV in both groups.
Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Dimethylarginines and Association With Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Anderssohn Maike , McLachlan Stela , Lüneburg Nicole , Robertson Christine , Schwedhelm Edzard , Williamson Rachel M. , Strachan Mark W.J. , Ajjan Ramzi , Grant Peter J. , Böger Rainer H. , Price Jackie F. 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE
To investigate determinants of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in the DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2 genes and their associations with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Prevalent CVD was assessed in men and women aged 60–75 years with type 2 diabetes as part of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study (ET2DS), and the participants were prospectively followed up for 4 years for incident CVD. Dimethylarginines were measured in 783 of these subjects, and genotyping for tag SNPs in the DDAH1, DDAH2, and AGXT2 genes was performed in 935 subjects.

RESULTS
Plasma ADMA levels were significantly associated with SNPs in DDAH1 (top SNP rs1554597; P = 9.0E-09), while SDMA levels were associated with SNPs in AGXT2 (top SNP rs28305; P = 1.3E-04). Significant, independent determinants of plasma ADMA were sex, L-arginine, creatinine, fasting glucose, and rs1554597 (all P &lt; 0.05; combined R2 = 0.213). Determinants of SDMA were age, sex, creatinine, L-arginine, diabetes duration, prevalent CVD, and rs28305 (all P &lt; 0.05; combined R2 = 0.425). Neither dimethylarginine was associated with incident CVD. None of the investigated SNPs were associated with overall CVD, although subgroup analysis revealed a significant association of AGXT2 rs28305 with intermittent claudication.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study in a well-characterized population with type 2 diabetes does not support reported associations or causal relationship between ADMA and features of diabetes or CVD.
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Empagliflozin, Sitagliptin, and Metformin
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Berk Andreas , Hantel Stefan , Pinnetti Sabine , Hach Thomas , Woerle Hans J. , Broedl Uli C. 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor; sitagliptin; and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In this randomized, open-label, 78-week extension study of two 12-week, blinded, dose-finding studies of empagliflozin (monotherapy and add-on to metformin) with open-label comparators, 272 patients received 10 mg empagliflozin (166 as add-on to metformin), 275 received 25 mg empagliflozin (166 as add-on to metformin), 56 patients received metformin, and 56 patients received sitagliptin as add-on to metformin.

RESULTS
Changes from baseline in HbA1c at week 90 were −0.34 to −0.63% (−3.7 to −6.9 mmol/mol) with empagliflozin, −0.56% (−6.1 mmol/mol) with metformin, and −0.40% (−4.4 mmol/mol) with sitagliptin. Changes from baseline in weight at week 90 were −2.2 to −4.0 kg with empagliflozin, −1.3 kg with metformin, and −0.4 kg with sitagliptin. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 63.2–74.1% of patients on empagliflozin and 69.6% on metformin or sitagliptin; most AEs were mild or moderate in intensity. Hypoglycemic events were rare in all treatment groups, and none required assistance. AEs consistent with genital infections were reported in 3.0–5.5% of patients on empagliflozin, 1.8% on metformin, and none on sitagliptin. AEs consistent with urinary tract infections were reported in 3.8–12.7% of patients on empagliflozin, 3.6% on metformin, and 12.5% on sitagliptin.

CONCLUSIONS
Long-term empagliflozin treatment provided sustained glycemic and weight control and was well tolerated with a low risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A novel link between angiogenesis and natural products: Anti-angiogenic effects of Opuntia dillenii
Authors: Ejaz Sohail , Anwar Khaleeq , Taj Robina , Ashraf Muhammad 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from the existing blood vessels and is involved in both physiological and pathological events. Pathological angiogenesis provokes in several important diseases as in inflammatory diseases, ischemic conditions, diabetic neuropathy and cancer. The discovery of new drugs from phyto-chemicals has a long history and anti-angiogenic agents from plant sources provide a platform for the development of phyto-medicines to treat/control pathological angiogenesis. The current project was designed to determine the efficacy of different concentrations of aqueous extract from Opuntia dillenii (OD) on angiogenesis by employing chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Computer based 3D image probing was utilized to quantify anti-angiogenic effects of OD extract. Extremely aggravated dose dependent anti-angiogenic response was recorded in all groups treated with OD extract with significant reduction (P<0.01) in total area, diameter of the primary, secondary, tertiary blood vessels and capillary plexuses. Analysis of 3D parameters of OD treated CAMs revealed deteriorated angular spectrum and reduction in the height of Abbott curves. In addition, histological data revealed thinning of ectodermal layer and damaged extracellular matrix. The results spotlight that OD extract possess considerable anti-angiogenic potential and further characterization/isolation of diverse phyto-chemicals would turn up with the discovery of novel phyto-agents to control/mitigate pathological angiogenesis.
Community Health Profile of Four VDCs of North-West Part of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Lochana , Pant Shambhu Nath , Rajbhandari Sanjeev Das , Malla Sudha Sen , Zoowa Sabin Bahadur 
Published: November 2013

Introduction: There are different hidden health related problems in community. These needs to be identify and adhered by effective, efficient tools to bring the better outcomes. One of the effective tools for the identification and quantification of the health problems in a community is Community Health Diagnosis. The aim of this study was to find out the common health problems in community, describe the related demographic, education, socio –economic and environmental factors and to convey health message to improve health profile of community. Methods: Four weeks Community Health Diagnosis was conducted in four selected VDCs after feasibility studies in 16 VDCs. Sample size households (HH) were calculated based on morbidity status of each VDCs. Students covered allocated number of Households in each VDCs by selecting household with convenience sampling method. Results: In all studied VDCs, nuclear family was the commonest, CBR and literacy rate were good compared to national figure. Population pyramid showed that active age group was more in these VDCs. There was lack of government tap for drinking water and latrine. Maternal parameters were found to be better than national fi gure. Conclusions: Though there is more illiteracy rate in all studied VDCs compare to national figure, maternal parameters, child health indicators and fertility rates are better which may be the impact of effective health education. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/32-36DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9090
Enhancing T Lineage Production in Aged Mice: A Novel Function of Foxn1 in the Bone Marrow Niche
Authors: Zook Erin C. , Zhang Shubin , Gerstein Rachel M. , Witte Pamela L. , Le Phong T. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFoxn1 is essential for thymic organogenesis and T lymphopoiesis. Whereas reduced Foxn1 expression results in a decline in T lymphopoiesis, overexpression of Foxn1 in the thymus of a transgenic mouse model (Foxn1Tg) attenuates the age-associated decline in T lymphopoiesis. T lymphopoiesis begins with early T cell progenitors (ETP), derived from multipotent progenitors (MPP) in the bone marrow (BM). A decline in MPP and ETP numbers with age is thought to contribute to reduced T lymphopoiesis. Previously, we showed that reduced ETP number with age is attenuated in Foxn1 transgenic (Tg); whether the effect is initiated in the BM with MPP is not known. In this study, we report that Foxn1 is expressed in wild-type BM and overexpressed in Foxn1Tg. With age, the number of MPP in Foxn1Tg was not reduced, and Foxn1Tg also have a larger pool of hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, the Foxn1Tg BM is more efficient in generating MPP. In contrast to MPP, common lymphoid progenitors and B lineage cell numbers were significantly lower in both young and aged Foxn1Tg compared with wild type. We identified a novel population of lineageneg/low, CD45pos EpCAMpos, SCA1pos, CD117neg, CD138neg, MHCIIneg cells as Foxn1-expressing BM cells that also express Delta-like 4. Thus, Foxn1 affects both T lymphopoiesis and hematopoiesis, and the Foxn1 BM niche may function in skewing MPP development toward T lineage progenitors.
CX3CR1 Regulates the Maintenance of KLRG1+ NK Cells into the Bone Marrow by Promoting Their Entry into Circulation
Authors: Ponzetta Andrea , Sciumè Giuseppe , Benigni Giorgia , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Morrone Stefania , Santoni Angela , Bernardini Giovanni 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
NK cell differentiation mainly occurs in the bone marrow (BM) where a critical role in the regulation of developing lymphocyte distribution is played by members of the chemokine receptor family. In mouse, the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 identifies a late stage of NK cell development characterized by decreased effector functions and expression of the inhibitory receptor KLRG1. The role of CX3CR1 in the regulation of differentiation and positioning of NK cell subsets in the BM is not known. In this study, we found that CX3CR1 deficiency leads to accumulation of KLRG1+ NK cells in BM during steady-state conditions. The NK cell subset that expresses the receptor in wild-type mice was expanded in several tissues of CX3CR1-deficient mice, and NK cell degranulation in response to sensitive target cell stimulation was enhanced, suggesting a regulatory role of CX3CR1 in NK cell positioning and differentiation in BM. Indeed, the observed NK cell expansion was not due to altered turnover rate, whereas it was associated with preferential accumulation in the BM parenchyma. In addition, a role of CX3CR1 in NK cell trafficking from BM and spleen was evidenced also during inflammation, as CX3CR1-deficient NK cells were more prompt to exit the BM and did not decrease in spleen in response to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid–promoted hepatitis. Overall, our results evidenced a relevant role of CX3CR1 in the regulation of NK cell subset exit from BM during homeostasis, and suggest that defect in the CX3CR1/CX3CL1 axis alters NK cell trafficking and functional response during inflammatory conditions.
Intervention Effectiveness for Children and Youth
Authors: Whitney Rondalyn , Hilton Claudia List 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We reviewed 11 articles, including efficacy and effectiveness studies, addressing intervention effectiveness for children and youth published in 2012 in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and organized them by level and type of research according to a framework adapted from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Compared with articles published in previous years, these studies showed improvement in their ability to guide practitioners to make evidence-based decisions by increasing understanding of the intervention’s pragmatic relevance and the extent to which it promotes participation in childhood and adolescent occupations. Studies’ evidence levels have increased along with efforts to increase scientific rigor. Intervention fidelity was included in several of the studies, but not consistently. Siblings and other family members were not examined, and none of the articles reviewed described longitudinal studies. Measures of client acceptability and cost–benefit analysis need more attention in future studies.
Developing an Arts of Living
Authors: Riddett-Moore Karinna 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper outlines the necessary aspects of arts-based educational research in a study that probed the nature of caring in an arts classroom. Based on the dissertation that won the Elliot Eisner Doctoral Research Award in Art Education, the author explains how this study is a work of art, a work of education, and a work of qualitative research. This study presents deconstruction as a praxis experienced through the process of art making, wherein the researcher and her middle-level art students employ the tools of the visual arts to achieve an aesthetic space of artful living. Using the methodology of a/r/tography, the author explores how by emphasizing aesthetic engagement, being attuned to moments of lingering and states of flux in the arts classroom, and deconstructing care through art and writing, she was able to engage in a space of transformation.