bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher Levels of Endogenous Estradiol are Associated with Frailty in Postmenopausal Women from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging
Authors: Carcaillon L. , García-García F. J. , Tresguerres J. A. F. , Gutiérrez Avila G. , Kireev R. , Rodríguez-Mañas L. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background:
Adverse effects of higher endogenous estradiol (E2) levels on various clinical outcomes and on determinants of the frailty syndrome have recently been reported. However, there are no data about the potential relationship between E2 and frailty. We aimed to study the association between E2 levels and frailty among older postmenopausal women not taking hormonal therapy.

Methods:
We used data from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging, a Spanish population-based cohort study. Frailty was defined according to Fried's approach. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with E2 levels were estimated using polytomous logistic regression.

Results:
E2 levels decreased significantly with age and educational level, whereas they increased with body mass index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and impairment in Katz activities of daily living. Higher E2 levels were associated with the prevalence of frailty among women younger than 79 yr, but not in the oldest group (p interaction = 0.047). After adjustment, OR of frailty associated with a 1 sd increase of E2 was 1.51 (95% CI, 1.04–2.20; P = 0.03). We identified an interaction between E2 and hs-CRP on the prevalence of frailty (P value = 0.042). Women with both higher E2 and hs-CRP (defined as values into the upper tertile) had an age-adjusted OR of 4.2 (95% CI, 1.7–10.5; P = 0.002), compared with women with low levels of both E2 and hs-CRP.

Conclusion:
Higher E2 levels were associated with frailty in postmenopausal women. The synergism between higher E2 and hs-CRP levels suggests the existence of physiopathological mechanisms connecting inflammation and estrogen to frailty.
Variation of Cardiac Troponin I and T Measured with Sensitive Assays in Emergency Department Patients with Noncardiac Chest Pain
Authors: Scharnhorst Volkher , Krasznai Krisztina , van 't Veer Marcel , Michels Rolf H 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
New-generation high-sensitivity assays for cardiac troponin have lower detection limits and less imprecision than earlier assays. Reference 99th-percentile cutoff values for these new assays are also lower, leading to higher frequencies of positive test results. When cardiac troponin concentrations are minimally increased, serial testing allows discrimination of myocardial infarction from other causes of increased cardiac troponin. We assessed various measures of short-term variation, including absolute concentration changes, reference change values (RCVs), and indices of individuality (II) for 2 cardiac troponin assays in emergency department (ED) patients.

METHODS
We collected blood from patients presenting with cardiac chest pain upon arrival in the ED and 2, 6, and 12 h later. Cardiac troponin was measured with the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay (Roche Diagnostics) and a sensitive cTnI assay (Siemens Diagnostics). Cardiac troponin results from 67 patients without acute coronary syndrome or stable angina were used in calculating absolute changes in cardiac troponin, RCVs, and II.

RESULTS
The 95th percentiles for absolute change in cardiac troponin were 8.3 ng/L for hs-cTnT and 28 ng/L for cTnI. Within-individual and total CVs were 11% and 14% for hs-cTnT and 18% and 21% for cTnI, respectively. RCVs were 38% (hs-cTnT) and 57% (cTnI). The corresponding log-normal RCVs were +46%/−32% for hs-cTnT and +76%/−43% for cTnI. II values were 0.31 (cTnI) and 0.12 (hs-cTnT).

CONCLUSIONS
The short-term variations and IIs of cardiac troponin were low in ED patients free of ischemic myocardial necrosis. The detection of cardiac troponin variation exceeding reference thresholds can help to identify ED patients with acute myocardial necrosis whereas variation within these limits renders acute coronary syndrome unlikely.
Stabilization Policy in an Economy with Two Exchange Rate Regimes
Authors: Arndt Sven W. 
Published: June 2012

This paper uses a flex-price open economy macro model to examine the effectiveness of U.S. monetary and fiscal policies when the dollar floats freely against the euro, but is fixed against the Chinese yuan. It is assumed that capital mobility is high between the U.S. and the Eurozone, but low between the U.S. and China. The model allows for short-run price flexibility and imperfect substitutability between domestic and foreign financial assets. The focus is on the implications for the efficacy of U.S. macro stabilization policies of China's fixed-rate strategy. While many countries have pegged their currencies to the dollar, China is large enough to have an impact. It is shown that its large size enables China to impede the effectiveness of U.S. macroeconomic policies. Indeed, while the U.S. is officially tagged as an independent floater, Chinese intervention is capable of interfering with dollar-euro flexibility and thereby creates outcomes that are more consistent with policy under fixed rates.
Characterization of β-cyclodextrin Self-Aggregates for Eugenol Encapsulation
Authors: Chun Ji-Yeon , You Sung-Kyu , Lee Mi-Yeon , Choi Mi-Jung , Min Sang-Gi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The application of β-cyclodextrin(CD)-assisted molecular encapsulation of neutraceutical ingredients, functional food in food products, hydrophobic drugs, and volatile substances helps protect the active ingredients against oxidation, loss of volatile compounds and light-induced decomposition and increases the solubility of hydrophobic medicines. Self-assembly aggregation of CDs has been extensively investigated from the aggregation of native CDs to high-order complex aggregates. The increasing complex order of the aggregates is dependent on some parameters such as pH, temperature, time and concentration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the aggregation behaviour of β-cyclodextrin (CD)-eugenol complexes induced at shaking times on the release characteristic at various relative humidity and storage temperatures. The particle size started to increase after shaking for 8 h at 650 nm, and then, significant aggregation (1,110 nm) was observed after 24 h. The retention rate of eugenol significantly increased according to storage duration under various relative humidity and temperature conditions. Prolonged shaking time enhanced the self-aggregation of β-CD-eugenol complexes resulting in eugenol release behavior due to their effect on the aggregation mechanism, as assessed by TEM observation. The aggregation of β-CD-eugenol complexes could be attributed to the slow release of eugenol owing to the presence of a thick layer of β-CD aggregates.
Green Jobs and Renewable Electricity Policies: Employment Impacts of Ontario's Feed-in Tariff
Authors: Böhringer Christoph , Rivers Nicholas J. , Rutherford Thomas F. , Wigle Randall 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Policy makers justify renewable energy promotion policies partly on the grounds that such policies have positive employment impacts. We apply a computable general equilibrium model to assess the labour market impacts of the feed-in tariff policy used by the Government of Ontario. We find that although the policy is successful at increasing the employment in the `green' sectors of the economy, the policy is also likely to increase the rate of unemployment in the province, and to reduce overall labour force participation. We conclude that policies designed to promote renewable energy should be promoted for the sake of their environmental impacts, not for their labour market effects.
Application of image analysis software to the morphometrics of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson
Authors: Rende Sante F. , Stroobant Mascha , del Pino Ángelo Santana , Polifrone Milena 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Leaf biometrics are important parameters of seagrasses measured in coastal marine environment-monitoring programs. This study tested the application of several image analysis software packages to the biometry of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa leaves as an alternative to the commonly used manual technique. The biometrics of leaves and epiphytes measured using Image-Pro Plus image analysis software were significantly different from measures made with the manual technique; this was a reflection of the precision of the digital measurements related to the application of “best fit” measures to the shape of the leaves. Among the advantages of the digital method, we found enhanced precision and, presumably, higher accuracy in measurement, faster time of execution, availability of a wide range of free software for image analysis, the permanence of a photographic record, the ability to create data bases to compare new samples with older ones, and the possibility of analysing different morphometric variables on the same sample after a long period of time.
Morphological and molecular evidence demonstrates the amphi-Atlantic distribution of Laurencia catarinensis (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Machín-Sánchez María , Cassano Valéria , Díaz-Larrea Jhoana , Sentíes Abel , Fujii Mutue T. , Gil-Rodríguez María Candelaria 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We performed morphological and molecular studies of Laurencia catarinensis from the Canary Islands. This species has an entangled habit, cushion-like tuft formation, cortical cell walls, slightly to markedly projecting near the apex, and lacking lenticular thickenings in medullary cells. We inferred its phylogenetic position by analyzing the chloroplast-encoded rbc L gene sequences from 41 samples. The results demonstrate that specimens of L. catarinensis from the Canary Islands, where it is referred to as L. intricata, and those from Brazil (including specimens from the type locality in Santa Catarina) form a monophyletic clade with low genetic divergence (0–0.9%). In contrast, specimens of L. intricata from the type locality in Cuba, Mexico, and the USA were clearly distinct from L. catarinensis collected in Brazil and the Canary Islands, as shown by high genetic divergence values (4.9–5.7%). The type material of L. catarinensis from Brazil allowed us to identify all samples from the Canarian Archipelago as L. catarinensis. These findings expand the known geographical distribution of L. catarinensis to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and demonstrate an amphi-Atlantic distribution of the species.
A novel method for phosphoprotein extraction from macroalgae
Authors: Parages María L. , Capasso Juan M. , Meco Victoriano , Jiménez Carlos 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The extraction of proteins from macroalgae has always been difficult, primarily because of their high internal levels of polysaccharides and polyphenols. Several methods for protein extraction have been developed recently that allow the production of high quality extracts for 1-D SDS gel electrophoresis or 2-D SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for proteomic analysis. However, none of the existing methods are applicable to the study of the phosphorylation state of kinases involved in stress responses of macroalgae, primarily because trichloroacetic acid and phenol are used for protein precipitation. In this work, we describe a novel method for protein extraction from macroalgae based on the counterintuitive use of commercial RNA purification kits; this method maintains the phosphorylation state of the kinases intact, as demonstrated by either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against the phosphorylated forms of mitogen-activated protein kinases using Western blot methodology. This method may be appropriate for wider use in the analysis of phosphoproteomes.
Effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance, and nutrients on the development of carposporelings and tetrasporophytes in Gracilaria domingensis (Kütz.) Sonder ex Dickie (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales)
Authors: Ramlov Fernanda , de Souza Jonatas M.C. , Farias André , Maraschin Marcelo , Horta Paulo A. , Yokoya Nair S. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Different environmental factors play important roles in the growth, reproduction, and distribution of marine macroalgae. We investigated the effects of temperature, salinity, irradiance, and nutrients on the growth of carposporelings and tetrasporophytes of Gracilaria domingensis. Carposporelings grew at temperatures of 25°C and 30°C, but they did not survive at 15°C and 20°C. In contrast, tetrasporophytes grew over a wide range of temperatures (15–30°C) with optimum growth between 20°C and 25°C. Both carposporelings and tetrasporophytes tolerated a wide range of salinity (25–60 and 10–50, respectively), but carposporelings were more sensitive to lower salinities (10–20), while tetrasporophytes were more sensitive to higher salinities (60). The highest growth rates in basal discs of carposporelings occurred when they were grown in 25% strength von Stosch enriched medium (VSES) with an illumination of 150 μmol photons m-2 s-1; erect fronds grew best in 25% and 50% strength VSES with illumination of 100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. The VSES strength did not influence the growth of tetrasporophytes of G. domingensis. Highest growth rates of tetrasporophytes occurred at 100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. These results demonstrate very different physiological responses between carposporelings and tetrasporophytes of G. domingensis and, as such, they offer guidelines for the selection of potential areas for the cultivation of the species.
Antioxidants in mangrove plants and endophytic fungal associations
Authors: Ravindran Chinnarajan , Naveenan Thangaiah , Varatharajan Govindaswamy R. , Rajasabapathy Raju , Meena Ram Murthi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The manner in which fungal endophytes activate host stress response systems is unknown; the occurrence of additional mechanisms involved in symbiotically-conferred stress tolerance in mangrove plants (the primary producers of estuarine food chain) is also an unresolved issue. Here, we report antioxidant potentials of four different mangroves and their endophytic fungi. We elucidated the possible roles of antioxidants in symbiotic association between mangroves and their endophytic fungi. Four different mangrove species and the predominant endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus were analyzed using various in vitro assay systems (such as iron chelating capacity, reducing power, and hydroxyl radicals/hydrogen peroxide/l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation using the β-carotene–linoleate model system). In vitro models clearly established the antioxidant potency of extracts of mangrove plants and their respective endophytic fungi, which aids in understanding the mutualistic associations of plant and endophyte against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Re-infection analysis of endophytic A. flavus in tobacco plants confirmed the endophytic status of the fungus and its enhancement effect on plant growth.
Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in premature infants: is there an association with premature birth complications?
Authors: Safranow Krzysztof , Kotowski Maciej , Lewandowska Joanna , Machalińska Anna , Dziedziejko Violetta , Czajka Ryszard , Celewicz Zbigniew , Rudnicki Jacek , Machaliński Bogusław 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: The most common morbidities in preterm infants are associated with vascular pathology. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been implicated in repair of the vasculature, but their role in the pathogenesis of prematurity complications is not clear.

Objectives: We prospectively investigated an association between the number of EPCs circulating in blood during delivery as well as 2 and 6 weeks afterwards, the level of growth factors regulating their migration/homing, and the incidence of premature birth complications.

Patients and methods: The study groups consisted of 90 preterm and 52 full-term infants. Early-EPCs (CD133+CD34+CD144+) and late-EPCs (CD133–CD34+CD144+) were analysed in cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB).

Results: We found higher early- and late-EPC counts in the CB of premature infants compared with full-term babies. The number of circulating early- and late-EPCs was inversely associated with the Apgar score of preterm infants. A positive association between the early-EPC count and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and infections was found. Nevertheless, multivariate analysis revealed that a higher number of EPCs was not an independent predictor of prematurity complications, which were directly related to lower gestational age. The EPC count in full-term infants maintained a constant, relatively low level over the 6-week follow-up, whereas the EPC population in preterm infants gradually decreased during this period. Furthermore, the number of CB late-EPCs in preterm infants positively correlated with VEGF concentration.

Conclusions: EPCs may play a considerable role in vascular development in preterm infants.
Three years’ experience of using a 29-gauge atraumatic needle for amniocentesis
Authors: Tchirikov Michael , Arnold Carola , Oshovskyy Viktor , Heinrich Ulf-Rüdiger , Thäle Volker 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Aims: To quantify the procedure-related complication rate after using modified technique of amniocentesis with a 29-gauge (29-G) pencil-point needle.

Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study of 316 amniocenteses that were performed by means of atraumatic 29-G pencil-point needle under ultrasound control.

Results: A total of 316 amniocenteses were observed through the postprocedural period. The median time needed to retrieve 15 mL of amniotic fluid was 4 min. A total of 19 pregnancies were terminated after genetic testing. No case was regarded as procedure-related fetal loss. No other complications were observed. Seventeen children were born before 37 completed weeks of gestation and five children had a birth weight <2000 g.

Conclusions: Amniocentesis with the 29-G atraumatic pencil-point needle seems to be a safe procedure with extremely low risk of complications and is a good alternative to the traditional 22-G Quincke needle.
Acquisition of full enteral feeds may depend on stooling pattern in very premature infants
Authors: de Pipaón Marcos Miguel Sáenz , Bueno Ma Teresa Montes , SanJosé Belén , Torralba Esmeralda , Gil Milagros , Parada Isabel , Amo Pilar 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether acquisition of normal stooling pattern is associated with full enteral feeding and growth.

Study design: This is a prospective observational study of infants with a gestational age of <28 weeks (n=121). All infants admitted to our unit during the study period were managed using the same protocol for rectal stimulation and enemas: we used rectal stimulation if abdominal distension and no defecation occurred in the previous 24 h; enema administration was practiced if abdominal distension persists and no defecation had occurred after rectal stimulation. Age of normal bowel habit (T-NBH) is defined as days when two stools passed each day without enemas or stimulation for three consecutive days. Full enteral feeding is measured by time to receive 120 mL/kg/day (T-120). Multivariable linear regression estimated the contribution of T-NBH on T-120 and the effect of tolerance on growth.

Results: T-NBH was 16 days (12, 24 days) and T-120 was 16 days (12, 24 days). T-120 decreased with earlier normal bowel habit (r=0.625, P<0.0001). Change in weight z-score between 36 weeks postmenstrual age and birth was less pronounced with earlier full enteral feeding (r=–0.446, P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Normalization of bowel habit is an important determinant of full enteral feeding of very immature infants. Earlier full enteral feeding is associated with less postnatal growth failure.
Safety and efficacy of high-dose intravenous iron carboxymaltose vs. iron sucrose for treatment of postpartum anemia
Authors: Pfenniger Anita , Schuller Christine , Christoph Patricia , Surbek Daniel 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) high-dose iron carboxymaltose (ICM) with iron sucrose (IS) for the treatment of postpartum anemia.

Study design: We performed a retrospective cohort study with 210 anemic inpatient women in the postpartum period who received IV high-dose ICM (15 mg/kg; maximum, 1000 mg) or IS (2×200 mg), respectively. Safety and tolerability of both groups were compared on the basis of reported systemic and local adverse events. The cohorts were matched for baseline characteristics and their initial hemoglobin (Hb) values. The secondary endpoint included drug efficacy assessment by measurement of Hb level increase up to 8 days after treatment.

Results: Rapid administration of high ICM doses was as well tolerated as IS with overall adverse events of 5% (ICM) vs. 6% (IS). The most common complaint was burning and pain at the injection site. ICM was as effective as IS in changing Hb levels from the baseline. There was no difference in the mean daily Hb increase between the groups. Women with severe anemia showed the most effective responsiveness.

Conclusions: IV ICM is as safe as IS in the management of postpartum (IDA) iron deficiency anemia despite five times of higher dosage. Both drugs are effective and offer a rapid normalization of Hb after delivery. The single application of ICM shows advantages of lower incidence of side effects at the injection site, a shorter treatment period, and better patient compliance.
The impact of length of second stage of labor on shoulder dystocia outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moragianni Vasiliki A. , Hacker Michele R. , Craparo Frank J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: To compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of vaginal deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia, according to the length of second stage of labor.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 177 shoulder dystocia cases that were divided into three categories according to second stage duration (1–20, 21–59, 60–180 min, respectively). The three categories were compared in terms of obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis utilized the χ2-test and analysis of variance where appropriate. The odds ratios of brachial plexus injury and having a 5-min APGAR score <7 across the second stage duration categories were calculated using logistic regression models that adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: The incidence of brachial plexus injury was 5.4% (1st category), 4.4% (2nd category) and 26.9% (3rd category); P<0.01. The higher incidence of brachial plexus injury in the group where second stage lasted >1 h was confirmed by logistic regression, with and without adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions: The incidence of brachial plexus injury increases with the length of second stage, even after controlling for confounders.