bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced liver fibrosis by transient elastography, Fibrosis 4, and alanine aminotransferase/platelet ratio index among Asian hepatitis C with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection: Role of vitamin D levels
Authors: Avihingsanon Anchalee , Jitmitraparp Salyavit , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Ramautarsing Reshmie A. , Apornpong Tanakorn , Jirajariyavej Supunee , Putcharoen Opass , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Akkarathamrongsin Srunthron , Poovorawan Yong , Matthews Gail V , Lange Joep MA , Ruxrungtham Kiat ,   HIV‐NAT125 study team
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground and AimVitamin D insufficiency plays an important role in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients. We assessed liver fibrosis by transient elastography and 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] status in HCV‐infected patients, with (HIV/HCV) or without HIV co‐infection (HCV) from Thailand.MethodsFibrosis stage was defined as mild (< 7.1 kPa); moderate (7.2–9.4 kPa); severe (9.5–14 kPa), and cirrhosis (> 14 kPa). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors for significant fibrosis. Serum 25(OH) D levels, HCV genotypes (GT), interleukin‐28B (IL28B) and HCV‐RNA were assessed.ResultsA total of 331 HCV and 130 HIV/HCV patients were enrolled (70% male, 35% people who inject drugs [PWIDs]). HCV GT distribution was as follows: GT3 47%, GT1 34%, GT6 17%. IL‐28B CC genotype (rs12979860) were found in 88% of HIV/HCV and 85% of HCV. In HCV, liver fibrosis was mild in 56.5%; moderate in 18.4%; severe in 12.4%; and cirrhosis in 12.7%. In HIV/HCV, these figures were 30.6%, 27.8%, 17.6%, and 24.1%, respectively. Patients with significant fibrosis were more often male, older, with HIV infection, hypovitaminosis D, and less likely to be infected with GT6. Factors associated with significant fibrosis by multivariate analysis were HIV infection (adjusted odd ratio [95% confidential interval]: 2.67, 1.20–5.93), P = 0.016, Fib‐4 score > 1.45 (6.30, 2.70–14.74), P < 0.001, and hypovitaminosis D (2.48, 1.09–5.67), P = 0.031. GT 6 was less likely to have advanced liver fibrosis (0.17, 0.05–0.65), P = 0.01.ConclusionsHIV infection, Fib‐4 score > 1.45, and hypovitaminosis D are strong and independent predictors for the presence of advanced fibrosis in our HCV‐infected patients. These data highlight the urgent need of HCV treatment and vitamin D supplement in resource‐limited settings.
Life‐Space Mobility Declines Associated with Incident Falls and Fractures
Authors: Lo Alexander X. , Brown Cynthia J. , Sawyer Patricia , Kennedy Richard E. , Allman Richard M. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of falls and fractures on life‐space mobility in a cohort of community‐dwelling older adults.DesignProspective, observational study with a baseline in‐home assessment and 6‐month telephone follow‐up interviews over 4 years.SettingCentral Alabama.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older recruited from a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries stratified according to sex, race, and urban versus rural residence (N = 970).MeasurementsSociodemographic factors, medical history, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination), mobility‐related symptoms, transportation difficulty, and healthcare use were assessed during a baseline in‐home interview of participants. Life‐space mobility and falls or injuries (including fractures) were assessed at the baseline interview and at 6‐month intervals in follow‐up telephone calls.ResultsFour hundred fifty‐four (47%) participants reported at least one fall during the 4‐year follow‐up. The life‐space score fell 3.2 points from the beginning to the end of the 6‐month interval during which a fall occurred, adjusting for other known predictors of decline in life‐space mobility. The decrease in interval life‐space score was progressively greater for a fall and an injury (−4.7 points), a fall and a fracture (−14.2 points), and a fall and a hip fracture (−23.6 points).ConclusionFalls, whether associated with an injury or not, were independently associated with a decrease in life‐space mobility in the ensuing 6 months. Further studies are needed to determine reasons for life‐space mobility decline in community‐dwelling older adults with incident falls without any injuries.
Butler Interprets Aquinas
Authors: Grimes Katie 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis essay examines whether the Catholic magisterium's use of Aquinas to condemn homosexual acts is actually Thomistic. Rather than being aligned with the magisterium, Aquinas advances a moral epistemology better illuminated by the work of philosopher Judith Butler. Deploying Butler as a means of immanent critique, I show how magisterial attempts to argue against lesbian and gay sex fail on their own terms. Reading Aquinas alongside Butler shows us why we need not choose between fidelity to Thomistic natural law and affirmation of lesbians and gays.
Thermodynamic properties of the effector domains of MARTX toxins suggest their unfolding for translocation across the host membrane
Authors: Kudryashova Elena , Heisler David , Zywiec Andrew , Kudryashov Dmitri S. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryMARTX (multifunctional autoprocessing repeats‐in‐toxin) family toxins are produced by Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila and other Gram‐negative bacteria. Effector domains of MARTX toxins cross the cytoplasmic membrane of a host cell through a putative pore formed by the toxin's glycine‐rich repeats. The structure of the pore is unknown and the translocation mechanism of the effector domains is poorly understood. We examined the thermodynamic stability of the effector domains of V. cholerae and A. hydrophila MARTX toxins to elucidate the mechanism of their translocation. We found that all but one domain in each toxin are thermodynamically unstable and several acquire a molten globule state near human physiological temperatures. Fusion of the most stable cysteine protease domain to the adjacent effector domain reduces its thermodynamic stability ∼ 1.4‐fold (from 21.8 to 16.1 kJ mol−1). Precipitation of several individual domains due to thermal denaturation is reduced upon their fusion into multi‐domain constructs. We speculate that low thermostability of the MARTX effector domains correlates with that of many other membrane‐penetrating toxins and implies their unfolding for cell entry. This study extends the list of thermolabile bacterial toxins, suggesting that this quality is essential and could be susceptible for selective targeting of pathogenic toxins.
Inferring climate from angiosperm leaf venation networks
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Enquist Brian J. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Leaf venation networks provide an integrative linkage between plant form, function and climate niche, because leaf water transport underlies variation in plant performance.

Here, we develop theory based on leaf physiology that uses community‐mean vein density to predict growing season temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The key assumption is that leaf water supply is matched to water demand in the local environment. We test model predictions using leaves from 17 temperate and tropical sites that span broad climatic gradients.

We find quantitative agreement between predicted and observed climate values. We also highlight additional leaf traits that may improve predictions.

Our study provides a novel approach for understanding the functional linkages between functional traits and climate that may improve the reconstruction of paleoclimate from fossil assemblages.
Ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius species participate in enzymatic oxidation of humus in northern forest ecosystems
Authors: Bödeker Inga T. M. , Clemmensen Karina E. , de Boer Wietse , Martin Francis , Olson Åke , Lindahl Björn D. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

In northern forests, belowground sequestration of nitrogen (N) in complex organic pools restricts nutrient availability to plants. Oxidative extracellular enzymes produced by ectomycorrhizal fungi may aid plant N acquisition by providing access to N in macromolecular complexes. We test the hypotheses that ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius species produce Mn‐dependent peroxidases, and that the activity of these enzymes declines at elevated concentrations of inorganic N.

In a boreal pine forest and a sub‐arctic birch forest, Cortinarius DNA was assessed by 454‐sequencing of ITS amplicons and related to Mn‐peroxidase activity in humus samples with‐ and without previous N amendment. Transcription of Cortinarius Mn‐peroxidase genes was investigated in field samples. Phylogenetic analyses of Cortinarius peroxidase amplicons and genome sequences were performed.

We found a significant co‐localization of high peroxidase activity and DNA from Cortinarius species. Peroxidase activity was reduced by high ammonium concentrations. Amplification of mRNA sequences indicated transcription of Cortinarius Mn‐peroxidase genes under field conditions. The Cortinarius glaucopus genome encodes 11 peroxidases – a number comparable to many white‐rot wood decomposers.

These results support the hypothesis that some ectomycorrhizal fungi – Cortinarius species in particular – may play an important role in decomposition of complex organic matter, linked to their mobilization of organically bound N.
Emission of herbivore elicitor‐induced sesquiterpenes is regulated by stomatal aperture in maize (Zea mays) seedlings
Authors: SEIDL‐ADAMS I. , RICHTER A. , BOOMER K. B. , YOSHINAGA N. , DEGENHARDT J. , TUMLINSON J. H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMaize seedlings emit sesquiterpenes during the day in response to insect herbivory. Parasitoids and predators use induced volatile blends to find their hosts or prey. To investigate the diurnal regulation of biosynthesis and emission of induced sesquiterpenes, we applied linolenoyl‐L‐glutamine (LG) to maize seedlings in the morning or evening using a cut‐stem assay and tracked farnesene emission, in planta accumulation, as well as transcript levels of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase 3 (ZmFPPS3) and terpene synthase10 (ZmTPS10) throughout the following day. Independent of time of day of LG treatment, maximum transcript levels of ZmFPPS3 and ZmTPS10 occurred within 3–4 h after elicitor application. The similarity between the patterns of farnesene emission and in planta accumulation in light‐exposed seedlings in both time courses suggested unobstructed emission in the light. After evening induction, farnesene biosynthesis increased dramatically during early morning hours. Contrary to light‐exposed seedlings dark‐kept seedlings retained the majority of the synthesized farnesene. Two treatments to reduce stomatal aperture, dark exposure at midday, and abscisic acid treatment before daybreak, resulted in significantly reduced amounts of emitted and significantly increased amounts of in planta accumulating farnesene. Our results suggest that stomata not only play an important role in gas exchange for primary metabolism but also for indirect plant defences.
Changing trends in blood transfusion: an analysis of 244,013 hospitalizations
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Forster Alan , Lawrence Nadine , Rothwell Deanna M. , Fergusson Dean , Tinmouth Alan , Wilson Kumanan 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundIdentifying recipients of blood transfusion and the trends in transfusion are needed to properly identify and target clinical services in need of patient blood management strategies. We determined the proportion of admissions to each clinical service that received blood, the mean number of units utilized, and the 5‐year trends in utilization.Study Design and MethodsWe used a large administrative database, a repository for three campuses of one university‐affiliated hospital, and included all adults that were hospitalized from November 1, 2006, to June 2012. The data were analyzed as the proportion of admissions transfused and the mean number units transfused per admission.ResultsOf 244,013 hospitalizations, 38,265 received at least one transfusion (29,165 for red blood cells [RBCs], 6760 for plasma, and 5795 for platelets [PLTs]). Although there has been a gradual decrease in the mean number of RBCs transfused (percent change, −9.8%; p = 0.002), an increase in the proportion of admissions receiving RBCs (17.2% increase, p < 0.0001) and PLTs (31.5% increase, p < 0.0001) was apparent while there has been a decrease in the proportion of admissions receiving plasma (23.9% decrease, p < 0.0001). Eight percent of cardiology admissions received RBCs, and the highest mean RBC utilization per admission, aside from the stem cell transplantation service, occurred in cardiology and critical care hospitalizations (mean, 4.7 units/hospitalization).ConclusionAlthough there has been a reduction in the mean RBC units used, there has been an increase in the proportion of hospitalizations transfused. A better understanding of the indications for transfusion is required to facilitate the development of targeted blood conservation strategies.
Tolerance of intraoperative hemoglobin decrease during cardiac surgery
Authors: Hogervorst Esther , Rosseel Peter , van der Bom Johanna , Bentala Mohamed , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Nardo , van de Watering Leo 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundIt has been suggested that a decrease of at least 50% from the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level during cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes even if the absolute Hb level remains above the commonly used transfusion threshold of 7.0 g/dL. In this study the relation between intraoperative Hb decline of at least 50% and a composite endpoint was analyzed.Study Design and MethodsThis single‐center study comprised 11,508 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had normal preoperative Hb levels (12.0‐16.0 g/dL in women, 13.0‐18.0 g/dL in men) between January 2001 and December 2011. Logistic regression modeling was used. The composite endpoint comprised in‐hospital mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure.ResultsPatients whose Hb did not decrease at least 50% and remained above 7 g/dL were used as reference (n = 9672). A total of 363 (3.2%) patients had an intraoperative Hb of less than 7 g/dL during surgery but a Hb decrease of less than 50%; 876 patients (7.4%) showed both a nadir Hb less than 7 g/dL and a Hb decrease of at least 50%, while 597 (5.2%) had a Hb decrease of at least 50% and a nadir Hb of at least 7 g/dL. In this last group the incidence of the composite endpoint was higher than in patients in the reference group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.14‐1.41).ConclusionsOur findings show that a decrease of at least 50% from baseline Hb during cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes, even if the absolute Hb level remains higher than the commonly used transfusion threshold of 7.0 g/dL.
Application of the tissue transfer technique in veterinary cytopathology
Authors: Stone Brett M. , Gan David 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundLimited availability of diagnostic cytopathologic material may preclude additional diagnostic techniques. Tissue transfer allows for preparation of additional slides from a single original slide. Information pertaining to the application of the tissue transfer technique in veterinary cytopathology is lacking.ObjectivesThe objectives were to evaluate the application of the tissue transfer technique on Quick Dip‐stained veterinary cytologic smears and to assess if a selection of histochemical and immunocytochemical stains, and PCR analyses could be performed on transferred material.MethodsArchived Quick Dip‐stained canine lymph node aspirate smears from previously diagnosed lymphoma cases were utilized to validate and optimize the tissue transfer technique. In this technique, diagnostic material is lifted from the original stained slide, is divided and transferred to multiple new slides. Histochemical stains such as Gram, periodic acid Schiff, Congo red, and Ziehl–Neelson, immunohistochemistry for CD3 and PAX5, and PCR for cryptococcal and mycobacterial organisms were selectively performed on transferred material.ResultsThe tissue transfer technique was simple, and transferred Quick Dip‐stained material retained cellular morphology. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and PCR analysis yielded reliable results when performed on the additional smears produced by this technique.ConclusionsThe tissue transfer technique was simple and easy to perform on previously Quick Dip‐stained cytology smears. Cellular detail was preserved and multiple additional ancillary diagnostic techniques were facilitated, such as histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and PCR analysis.
Association between excess body weight and urine protein concentration in healthy dogs
Authors: Tefft Karen M. , Shaw Darcy H. , Ihle Sherri L. , Burton Shelley A. , Pack LeeAnn 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundMarkedly overweight people can develop progressive proteinuria and kidney failure secondary to obesity‐related glomerulopathy (ORG). Glomerular lesions in dogs with experimentally induced obesity are similar to those in people with ORG.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate if urine protein and albumin excretion is greater in overweight and obese dogs than in dogs of ideal body condition.MethodsClient‐owned dogs were screened for underlying health conditions. These dogs were assigned a body condition score (BCS) using a 9‐point scoring system. Dogs with a BCS of ≥ 6 were classified as being overweight/obese, and dogs with a BCS of 4 or 5 were classified as being of ideal body weight. The urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UAC) were then determined, and compared between 20 overweight/obese dogs and 22 ideal body weight control dogs.ResultsMedian UPC (0.04 [range, 0.01–0.14; interquartile range, 0.07]) and UAC (0.41 [0–10.39; 3.21]) of overweight/obese dogs were not significantly different from median UPC (0.04 [0.01–0.32; 0.07]) and UAC (0.18 [0–7.04; 1.75]) in ideal body weight dogs.ConclusionsClinicopathologic abnormalities consistent with ORG were absent from overweight/obese dogs in this study.
Associations of Activity Monitor Output and an Estimate of Aerobic Fitness With Pulse Wave Velocities: The Nakanojo Study
Authors: Ayabe Makoto , Park Sungjin , Shephard Roy J. , Aoyagi Yukitoshi 
Published: April 2014

Background:We examined the relative contributions of habitual physical activity and aerobic fitness to the prevention of arteriosclerosis.Methods:Elderly individuals (97 men and 109 women, aged > 65 y) each wore a uniaxial activity monitor continuously for 1 year, with activity data summarized as an average daily step count and duration of activity > 3 metabolic equivalents (METs). Aerobic fitness was assessed by a standardized 5-m walking test measure of maximal walking speed. Central arterial stiffness was determined using an automatic waveform analyzer measure of cardio-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).Results:The cfPWV was negatively associated with daily step count, duration of activity > 3 METs, and maximal walking speed (P < .05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the step count, duration of activity > 3 METs, and maximal walking speed were all significant predictors of cfPWV, accounting for 11%, 7%, and 4% of total variance, respectively.Conclusions:In contrast to findings from studies using potentially fallible questionnaires, our data suggest that a measure of health (arterial stiffness) is more closely related to objective measures of physical activity than to an estimate of aerobic fitness.
Validity and Reliability of Question 8 of the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire Among Healthy Adults
Authors: Simpson Kathleen , Parker Beth , Capizzi Jeffrey , Thompson Paul , Clarkson Priscilla , Freedson Patty , Pescatello Linda Shannon 
Published: April 2014

Background:Little information exists regarding the psychometric properties of question 8 (Q8) of the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to assess exercise. Thus, we conducted 2 studies to assess the validity and test–retest reliability of Q8 among adults.Methods:Study 1 participants (n = 419) were 44.1 ± 16.1 years of age. Validity was determined by comparing self-reported hr·d−1 in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) and MET-hr·wk−1 on Q8 at baseline to accelerometer and health/fitness measurements using Spearman rank-order correlations. Study 2 participants (n = 217) were 44.7 ± 16.3 years of age and completed Q8 at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Test–retest reliability was determined using repeated measures analysis of covariance, intraclass correlations (ICCs), and standard error of the measurement (SEM).Results:Q8 displayed good criterion validity compared with accelerometer measurements (r = .102 to .200, P < .05) and predictive validity compared with health/fitness measurements (r = –.272 to .203, P < .05). No differences were observed in self-reported hr·d−1 in any of the PA categories at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (ICC: 0.49 to 0.68; SEM: 1.0 to 2.0; P > .05), indicating good reliability.Conclusion:Q8 demonstrates adequate criterion validity, acceptable predictive validity, and satisfactory test–retest reliability and can be used in conjunction with other components of the PPAQ to provide a complete representation of exercise.
Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Youth
Authors: Machado-Rodrigues Aristides M. , Leite Neiva , Silva Manuel J. Coelho e , Valente-dos-Santos João , Martins Raul A. , Mascarenhas Luis PG , Boguszewski Margaret CS , Padez Cristina , Malina Robert M. 
Published: April 2014

Background:Associations of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with lifestyle behaviors in youth is potentially important for identifying subgroups at risk and encourage interventions. This study evaluates the associations among the clustering of metabolic risk factors and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth.Methods:The sample comprised 522 girls and 402 boys (N = 924) aged 11 to 17 years. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressures were measured. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. MVPA was estimated with a 3-day diary. Outcome variables were statistically normalized and expressed as z scores. A clustered metabolic risk score was computed as the mean of z scores. Multiple linear regression was used to test associations between metabolic risk and MVPA by sex, adjusted for age, WC, and CRF.Results:After adjustment for potential confounders, MVPA was inversely associated with the clustering of metabolic risk factors in girls, but not in boys; in addition, after adjusting for WC, the statistical model of that relationship was substantially improved in girls.Conclusion:MVPA was independently associated with increased risk of MetS in girls. Additional efforts are needed to encourage research with different analytical approach and standardization of criteria for MetS in youth.