bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine and chemokine responses in pediatric patients with severe pneumonia associated with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus
Authors: Matsumoto Yuji , Kawamura Yoshiki , Nakai Hidetaka , Sugata Ken , Yoshikawa Akiko , Ihira Masaru , Ohashi Masahiro , Kato Tomochika , Yoshikawa Tetsushi 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTSevere pneumonia and leukocytosis are characteristic, frequently observed, clinical findings in pediatric patients with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus infection. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of cytokines and chemokines in complicating pneumonia and leukocytosis in patients with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus infection. Forty‐seven patients with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus infection were enrolled in this study. Expression of interleukin (IL)‐10 (P = 0.027) and IL‐5 (P = 0.014) was significantly greater in patients with pneumonia than in those without pneumonia. Additionally, serum concentrations of interferon‐γ (P = 0.009), tumor necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.01), IL‐4 (P = 0.024), and IL‐2 (P = 0.012) were significantly lower in pneumonia patients with neutrophilic leukocytosis than in those without neutrophilic leukocytosis. Of the five serum chemokine concentrations assessed, only IL‐8 was significantly lower in pneumonia patients with neutrophilic leukocytosis than in those without leukocytosis (P = 0.001). These cytokines and chemokines may play important roles in the pathogenesis of childhood pneumonia associated with A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus infection.
In‐hospital Neonatal Mortality and the Role of Consanguinity
Authors: Charafeddine Lama , Ammous Farah , Kobeissi Loulou , De Ver Dye Timothy , Matar Maroun , Faddous Khalife Marie‐Claude , Yunis Khalid 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  Consanguinity which increases the risk of genetic disorders has been implicated at times in infant mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the association between consanguinity and in‐hospital mortality in newborns.Methods:  Data was collected prospectively on all births from 26 hospitals in Lebanon from January 2004 to December 2008 and admitted to the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network. Secondary analysis was done on 65,402 singletons, after exclusion of stillbirths, infants of multiple gestation and infants of second cousin progeny.Results:  In‐hospital mortality was 6.7 per 1000 live births (439/65,402). The rate of first cousin marriage was 9.9%. Consanguinity was significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8, 3.1); consanguinity remained a significant predictor of mortality (odds ratio 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2, 2.9]) after adjusting for maternal age and education, crowding index, history of abortion, prenatal care, mode of delivery, gender, birthweight and apgar score at 5 minutes.Conclusions:  This association of consanguinity with in‐hospital mortality points to potential genetic factors leading to this increased risk. Designing public health interventions, including raising the awareness and taking into consideration such risks in neonatal mortality studies are indicated.
An evaluation of statistical process control techniques applied to blood component quality monitoring with particular reference to CUSUM
Authors: Nightingale M. J. , Madden S. , Curnow E. , Collett D. , Procter S. , Rowe G. P. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTBackgroundStatistical process control (SPC) is used to monitor the performance of blood component collection and production processes in the UK and elsewhere. The sensitivity of the applied technique(s) needs to be matched to the clinical importance of the parameter being monitored such that significant deviations in the process mean and/or variability of critical parameters (e.g. the leucocyte content of leucodepleted components) are detected and investigated immediately.AimsThis study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of a range of techniques for variable and attribute (proportion non‐conforming) data.Materials and methodsComparison was based on a range of simulated and ‘live’ blood component quality monitoring data including /R, cumulative sum (CUSUM) procedures, the scan statistic and np charts.Results/R and CUSUM could detect shifts of two standard deviations in the process mean within 5 days. Current leucocyte count data (substantially skewed even after log transformation) was found to be better suited to attribute analysis. CUSUM alone was able to detect shifts on the same day when based on 20 or more samples and achieved acceptable specificity.ConclusionsCUSUM procedures for proportion non‐conforming can usefully augment existing /R techniques for leucodepletion monitoring, provide valid control limits and the required sensitivity. The scan statistic and ‘np’ charts offered no obvious advantages.
Identification of the DDAH2 Protein in Pig Reproductive Tract Mucus: A Putative Oestrus Detection Marker
Authors: Lee WY , Chai SY , Lee KH , Park HJ , Kim JH , Kim B , Kim NH , Jeon HS , Kim IC , Choi HS , Song H 
Published: June 2012

ContentsPrecisely detecting oestrus is important for artificial insemination. The aims of this study were to identify oestrus‐specific sow mucus proteins to determine the optimal time for artificial insemination. The proestrous‐ and oestrous‐stage mucus proteins were purified and analysed with proteomic tools such as two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time‐of‐flight analyses. Among the differentially expressed proteins, the dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) protein showed a 3.6‐fold increase during the proestrous stage compared to that during the oestrous stage. A western immunoblot study revealed that two of three sow mucus samples clearly showed negative anti‐DDAH2 antibody activity during the oestrous stage. This study demonstrated that the pig DDAH2 mucus protein exists during the proestrous stage, but not during the oestrous stage, suggesting that mucus DDAH2 could be useful as an oestrus detection marker.
Turning off sacral nerve stimulation does not affect gastric and small intestinal motility in patients treated for faecal incontinence
Authors: Worsøe J. , Fassov J. , Schlageter V. , Rijkhoff N. J. M. , Laurberg S. , Krogh K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) reduces symptoms in up to 80% of patients with faecal incontinence (FI). Its effects are not limited to the distal colon and the pelvic floor. Accordingly, spinal or supraspinal neuromodulation have been suggested as part of the mode of action. The effect of SNS on gastric and small‐intestinal motility was studied.Method  Using the magnet tracking system, MTS‐1, a small magnetic pill was tracked twice through the upper gastrointestinal tract of eight patients with FI successfully treated with SNS. Following a randomized double‐blind crossover design, the stimulator was either left active or was turned off for 1 week before investigations with MTS‐1.Results  The median (range) frequency of gastric con‐tractions was 3.05 (2.83–3.40) per min during SNS and 3.04 (2.79?–3.76) per min without (P = NS). The median (range) frequency of contractions in the small intestine during the first 2 h after pyloric passage was 10.005 (9.68–10.70) per min during SNS and 10.09 (9.79–10.29) per min without SNS (P = NS). The median (range) velocity of the magnetic pill during the first 2 h in the small intestine was 1.6 (1.2–2.8) cm/min during SNS and 1.7 (0.8–3.7) cm/min without SNS (P = NS). Small‐intestinal propagation mainly occurred during very fast movements (> 15 cm/min), accounting for 51% (42–60%) of the distance 3% (2–4%) of the time during SNS and for 53% (18–73%) of the distance 3% (1–8%) of the time without SNS (P = NS).Conclusion  Turning off SNS for 1 week did not affect gastric or small‐intestinal motility patterns.
Modeling the isoprene emission rate from leaves
Authors: Monson Russell K. , Grote Rüdiger , Niinemets Ülo , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe leaves of many plants emit isoprene (2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene) to the atmosphere, a process which has important ramifications for global and regional atmospheric chemistry. Quantitation of leaf isoprene emission and its response to environmental variation are described by empirically derived equations that replicate observed patterns, but have been linked only in some cases to known biochemical and physiological processes. Furthermore, models have been proposed from several independent laboratories, providing multiple approaches for prediction of emissions, but with little detail provided as to how contrasting models are related. In this review we provide an analysis as to how the most commonly used models have been validated, or not, on the basis of known biochemical and physiological processes. We also discuss the multiple approaches that have been used for modeling isoprene emission rate with an emphasis on identifying commonalities and contrasts among models, we correct some mathematical errors that have been propagated through the models, and we note previously unrecognized covariances within processes of the models. We come to the conclusion that the state of isoprene emission modeling remains highly empirical. Where possible, we identify gaps in our knowledge that have prevented us from achieving a greater mechanistic foundation for the models, and we discuss the insight and data that must be gained to fill those gaps.

Contents

Summary
541

I.
Introduction
542

II.
The biochemical control over isoprene emission rate
542

III.
General forms of the models used to predict the leaf isoprene emission rate
543

IV.
Modeling the short‐term responses to photon flux density
545

V.
Resolving problems with the current Guenther algorithm covering the PPFD‐dependence of Ei
546

VI.
The temperature dependence of isoprene emission rate
547

VII.
Clarifying issues with the current Guenther algorithm covering the temperature‐dependence of Ei
549

VIII.
The CO2 dependence of the isoprene emission rate
549

IX.
Modeling the relation between isoprene emission and leaf conductance
551

X.
Modeling the longer‐term processes that control isoprene emission rate
552

XI.
Conclusions
556

References
556
Patient‐Initiated Elective Cesarean Section of Nulliparous Women in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hutton Eileen K. , Kornelsen Jude 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe proportion of cesarean sections is increasing in Canada overall and in British Columbia in particular. It has been suggested that this increase is partially the result of women requesting the procedure, although the prevalence of patient‐initiated elective cesarean section is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of probable elective cesarean and physician‐suggested elective cesarean section among nulliparous women who had a cesarean section in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsAn electronic search of patient charts from seven British Columbia hospitals between June 1, 2002, and May 31, 2004, was completed and potential nulliparous women seeking elective cesarean were identified. Any women with medical factors predisposing them to a cesarean section were excluded. Identified charts were then subjected to individual chart review by two independent researchers to ensure accuracy of classification into a cohort of women with probable patient‐initiated elective cesarean section.ResultsFor the study period, 10,546 nulliparous women gave birth at the seven study hospitals and 3,301 delivered by means of cesarean section. Of these 3,301 women, 36 were judged to have had a patient‐initiated elective cesarean. These 36 women represented 0.34 percent of all nulliparous births and 1.09 percent of all nulliparous cesarean births. Those judged to have selected an elective cesarean were significantly older and had babies with a lower gestational age than women with a nonelective cesarean section. No significant differences between the two groups were found with respect to maternal weight, length of stay for the mother or baby, newborn birthweight, or special care nursery days.ConclusionsOverall, the prevalence of nulliparous women judged to have had a patient‐initiated elective cesarean was found to be low and is not likely to be substantially contributing to the rising proportion of cesarean births. (BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)
Epileptic encephalopathies of the Landau‐Kleffner and continuous spike and waves during slow‐wave sleep types: Genomic dissection makes the link with autism
Authors: Lesca Gaetan , Rudolf Gabrielle , Labalme Audrey , Hirsch Edouard , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Genton Pierre , Motte Jacques , de Saint Martin Anne , Valenti Maria‐Paola , Boulay Clotilde , De Bellescize Julitta , Kéo‐Kosal Pascale , Boutry‐Kryza Nadia , Edery Patrick , Sanlaville Damien , Szepetowski Pierre 
Published: June 2012

SummaryPurpose:  The continuous spike and waves during slow‐wave sleep syndrome (CSWSS) and the Landau‐Kleffner (LKS) syndrome are two rare epileptic encephalopathies sharing common clinical features including seizures and regression. Both CSWSS and LKS can be associated with the electroencephalography pattern of electrical status epilepticus during slow‐wave sleep and are part of a clinical continuum that at its benign end also includes rolandic epilepsy (RE) with centrotemporal spikes. The CSWSS and LKS patients can also have behavioral manifestations that overlap the spectrum of autism disorders (ASD). An impairment of brain development and/or maturation with complex interplay between genetic predisposition and nongenetic factors has been suspected. A role for autoimmunity has been proposed but the pathophysiology of CSWSS and of LKS remains uncharacterized.Methods:  In recent years, the participation of rare genomic alterations in the susceptibility to epileptic and autistic disorders has been demonstrated. The involvement of copy number variations (CNVs) in 61 CSWSS and LKS patients was questioned using comparative genomic hybridization assays coupled with validation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Key Findings:  Whereas the patients showed highly heterogeneous in genomic architecture, several potentially pathogenic alterations were detected. A large number of these corresponded to genomic regions or genes (ATP13A4, CDH9, CDH13, CNTNAP2, CTNNA3, DIAPH3, GRIN2A, MDGA2, SHANK3) that have been either associated with ASD for most of them, or involved in speech or language impairment, or in RE. Particularly, CNVs encoding cell adhesion proteins (cadherins, protocadherins, contactins, catenins) were detected with high frequency (≈20% of the patients) and significant enrichment (cell adhesion: p = 0.027; cell adhesion molecule binding: p = 9.27 × 10−7).Significance:  Overall our data bring the first insights into the possible molecular pathophysiology of CSWSS and LKS. The overrepresentation of cell adhesion genes and the strong overlap with the genetic, genomic and molecular ASD networks, provide an exciting and unifying view on the clinical links among CSWSS, LKS, and ASD.
Analyzing Drivers of Regional Carbon Dioxide Emissions for China
Authors: Feng Kuishuang , Siu Yim Ling , Guan Dabo , Hubacek Klaus 
Published: June 2012

SummaryChina faces the challenge of balancing unprecedented economic growth and environmental sustainability. Rather than a homogenous country that can be analyzed at the national level, China is a vast country with significant regional differences in physical geography, regional economy, demographics, industry structure, and household consumption patterns. There are pronounced differences between the much‐developed Eastern‐Coastal economic zone and the less developed Central and Western economic zones in China. Such variations lead to large regional discrepancies in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Using the 28 regional input‐output tables of China for 2002 and 2007 and structural decomposition analysis (SDA), we analyze how changes in population, technology, economic structure, urbanization, and household consumption patterns drive regional CO2 emissions.The results show a significant gap between the three economic zones in terms of CO2 emission intensity, as the Eastern‐Coastal zone possesses more advanced production technologies compared to the Central and Western zones. The most polluting sectors and largest companies are state‐owned enterprises and thus are potentially able to speed up knowledge transfer between companies and regions. The “greening” of the more developed areas is not only a result of superior technology, but also of externalizing production and pollution to the poorer regions in China. The results also show that urbanization and associated income and lifestyle changes were important driving forces for the growth of CO2 emissions in most regions in China. Therefore, focusing on technology and efficiency alone is not sufficient to curb regional CO2 emissions.
Implant and Long‐Term Evaluation of Atrial Signal Amplification in a Single‐Lead ICD
Authors: STAZI FILIPPO , MAMPIERI MASSIMO , CARDINALE MARIO , LAUDADIO M. TERESA , GARGARO ALESSIO , DEL GIUDICE GIOVANNI BATTISTA 
Published: June 2012

Background: In patients without clinical indications for pacing the use of a single‐lead implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implementing atrial sensing capability with proper signal amplification management may represent a useful therapeutic option, combining the positive features of both single and dual‐chamber devices. The aim of the study was to evaluate the atrial signal amplification and its long‐term stability in a single‐lead ICD system adding atrial sensing to a standard single‐chamber ICD.
Methods: P‐wave amplitudes were collected and compared at implant both with a conventional external device (“unfiltered” P wave) and telemetrically with the implanted ICD (“filtered” P wave). Filtered/unfiltered P‐wave ratio (amplification factor, AmF) was evaluated at implant and during follow‐up.
Results: In 43 enrolled patients (38 men, age 64 ± 16 years), the mean filtered P wave at implant was significantly higher than the unfiltered P wave (3.85 ± 0.81 mV vs 2.0 ± 1.49 mV; P < 10−11), with a mean AmF value of 2.77 ± 1.62. In seven patients with atrial fibrillation at implant, the AmF was higher (4.62 ± 1.94) than in patients in sinus rhythm (2.41 ± 1.30; P < 0.001). A significant linear correlation was found between the inverse of P wave and the AmF (R = 0.82, P < 0.00001). In 25 patients followed for 384 ± 244 days, atrial undersensing was never documented and AmF did not change from implant (3.19 ± 1.82; P = 0.24), also in different body position and breathing conditions.
Conclusions: The single‐lead ICD system evaluated reliably amplified P‐wave amplitudes by a factor of about three, maintaining this performance during the observed follow‐up. (PACE 2012; 35:1119–1125)
Effect of light intensity, prey density, and ontogeny on foraging success and prey selection of larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: Martin Benjamin T. , Wahl David H. , Czesny Sergiusz J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLight intensity has been shown to influence the foraging success of larval fish. However, the effect of light intensity on larval foraging is likely variable and influenced by both the density and characteristics of planktonic prey. In this study we examined the influence of light intensity of 0.1, 2.0, and 60 μmol·s−1·m−2 Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) on foraging of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) larvae at two prey densities. We fed them with a mixture of zooplankton taxa common to lakes inhabited by yellow perch. In addition to light intensity and prey density, the effect of larval yellow perch size was examined by using fish ranging from 9 to 15 mm. The results of our study indicated that yellow perch larvae are well adapted to feed at a wide range of light intensities, as there was no difference in foraging success at investigated light intensities. Increasing prey density from 25 to 150 (zooplankton·l−1) significantly improved the foraging success of larval yellow perch. However, the influence of prey density on foraging success was dependent on fish length. Improved foraging success at increased prey densities occurred only for individuals with a total length >10 mm. Overall, prey selection by fish larvae was influenced by light intensity, prey density, and fish length. However, the factors that influenced selection for specific prey types differed. Our study, combined with evidence from other field and laboratory work, highlight the need for a better understanding of the influence of prey density on foraging throughout ontogeny.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP‐4) and BMP‐7 induce vascular endothelial growth factor expression in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: SHIMIZU Takashi , MAGATA Fumie , ABE Yasuyuki , MIYAMOTO Akio 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTBone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) and BMP‐7, theca cell‐derived growth factors, directly affect the granulosa cell function. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of BMP‐4 or BMP‐7 in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in bovine granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were collected from small follicles (4–6 mm) and seeded at a density of 2–5 × 105 cells per well in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F12 medium with BMP‐4 or BMP‐7. The expression of VEGF messenger RNA and protein was the maximum when 1.0 ng/mL of BMP‐4 was added to the culture medium. On the other hand, 10 ng/mL of BMP‐7 significantly increased the expression of the VEGF gene and protein. In addition, BMP‐4 stimulated the expression of Smad1 and Smad5 genes in granulosa cells, whereas BMP‐7 stimulated the expression of Smad5 gene. These results suggested that BMP‐4 and BMP‐7 may be associated with VEGF expression via several specific Smads in bovine granulosa cells: BMP‐4 via Smad1/Smad5 and BMP‐7 via Smad5. In conclusion, theca cell‐derived BMP‐4 and BMP‐7 might contribute to follicular vasculature and development by inducing VEGF expression in granulosa cells.
UK health visitors' role in identifying and intervening with infants at risk of developing obesity
Authors: Redsell Sarah A. , Swift Judy A. , Nathan Dilip , Siriwardena A. Niroshan , Atkinson Philippa , Glazebrook Cris 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChildhood obesity is associated with a number of modifiable risk factors that can be identified during infancy or earlier. In the UK, health visitors advise parents about infant feeding, but little is known about their role in obesity prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the beliefs and current practices of UK health visitors in relation to recognising and intervening with infants at risk of developing obesity. Thirty members of the health visiting team were interviewed. The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied using an interpretative, inductive approach. Health visitors were aware of some of the modifiable risk factors for childhood obesity such as infant feeding practices. They felt they had a role in advising parents about diet but did not formally identify and/or intervene with larger infants. Infant overweight was considered a sensitive issue that was difficult to raise with parents. They believed some parents preferred larger infants and were unaware that their feeding practices might be contributing to obesity risk. A need for training and guidance was identified together with strategies to overcome system barriers. Health visitors do not currently target parents of infants at risk of obesity largely because they do not perceive they have appropriate guidance and skills to enable them to do so. There is an urgent need for tools and training to enable all health care professionals to recognise and manage infants at risk of developing obesity without creating a sense of blame.