bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Among Serum Fetuin‐A Level, Coronary Artery Calcification, and Bone Mineral Densitometry in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kirkpantur Alper , Altun Bulent , Hazirolan Tuncay , Akata Deniz , Arici Mustafa , Kirazli Serafettin , Turgan Cetin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPatients with end‐stage renal disease have a very high prevalance and extent of arterial calcification. A number of studies suggest that similar pathophysiologic mechanisms are responsible for development and progression of calcification of atherosclerotic plaque and bone formation. Fetuin‐A is a potent calcification inhibitor and is expressed in bone, with not‐yet well‐defined functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between bone mineral densitometry parameters, coronary artery calcification, and serum fetuin‐A levels. In a cross‐sectional design, we included 72 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and 30 age‐ and gender‐ matched healthy controls. Serum fetuin‐A levels were studied both in maintenance HD patients and healthy controls. Maintenance HD patients had radius, hip, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and coronary artery calcification score (CACS) measured by electron‐beam computed tomography. The associations between site‐specific BMD parameters, CACS, and serum fetuin‐A levels were studied in maintenance HD patients. CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries were significantly higher in patients with a T‐score below −2.5 than above in the proximal region of the radius, neck and trochanter of the femur, and the lumbar spine. Mean serum fetuin‐A concentration was 0.636 ± 0.118 g/L in maintenance HD patients and it was less than healthy controls (0.829 ± 0.100 g/L, P < 0.0001). CACS, mass, and volume of plaques in coronary arteries correlated significantly with the serum fetuin‐A levels. Moreover, significant positive correlations were shown between the serum fetuin‐A levels, BMD values, and T‐scores of proximal radius, neck, and trochanter of the femur, but not with the lumbar spine. The present study demonstrates an association between serum fetuin‐A levels, coronary artery calcification, and bone mineral densities—except for the lumbar spine, in maintenance HD patients. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the cross‐sectional design of the study.
Improvement of Hemocompatibility in Centrifugal Blood Pump With Hydrodynamic Bearings and Semi‐open Impeller: In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Kosaka Ryo , Maruyama Osamu , Nishida Masahiro , Yada Toru , Saito Sakae , Hirai Shusaku , Yamane Takashi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe have developed a noncontact‐type centrifugal blood pump with hydrodynamic bearings and a semi‐open impeller for mechanical circulatory assist. The impeller is levitated by an original spiral‐groove thrust bearing and a herringbone‐groove journal bearing, without any additional displacement‐sensing module or additional complex control circuits. The pump was improved by optimizing the groove direction of the spiral‐groove thrust bearing and the pull‐up magnetic force between the rotor magnet and the stator coil against the impeller. To evaluate hemocompatibility, we conducted a levitation performance test and in vitro hemocompatibility tests by means of a mock‐up circulation loop. In the hemolysis test, the normalized index of hemolysis was reduced from 0.721 to 0.0335 g/100 L corresponding to an expansion of the bearing gap from 1.1 to 56.1 µm. In the in vitro antithrombogenic test, blood pumps with a wide thrust bearing gap were effective in preventing thrombus formation. Through in vitro evaluation tests, we confirmed that hemocompatibility was improved by balancing the hydrodynamic fluid dynamics and magnetic forces.
Extracorporeal Life Support as Ultimate Strategy for Refractory Severe Cardiogenic Shock Induced by Tako‐tsubo Cardiomyopathy: A New Effective Therapeutic Option
Authors: Bonacchi Massimo , Valente Serafina , Harmelin Guy , Gensini Gian Franco , Sani Guido 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe report a possible new therapeutic strategy, using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support (ECLS), for severe refractory cardiogenic shock (SRCS) in a patient with Tako‐tsubo cardiomyopathy (TC). TC is a syndrome characterized by left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, without coronary artery disease, mimicking the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. This ventricular dysfunction can be reversible; however, it can progress into refractory cardiogenic shock with limited therapeutic options available. For the first time in a Tako‐tsubo patient with refractory cardiogenic shock, we used ECLS treatment in order to rest the heart, sustain circulation and end‐organ perfusion, and promote potential ventricular recovery. ECLS might be the selected treatment for SRCS in patients with TC, and seems to be an effective and useful ultimate therapeutic strategy for preventing death.
Dispersion and Accuracy of Simulated Phosphene Positioning Using Tactile Board
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Chai Xinyu , Ling Shu , Fan Jin , Yang Kun , Ren Qiushi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe evaluation of phosphene is one of the most important things after the electrode array's implantation. Some experiments have been used to study the basic rules on people using their tactile perception in describing the characteristics of simulated phosphenes, such as the dispersion, accuracy, and response time. In order to describe the simulated phosphenes more systematically and scientifically, an improved phosphene‐positioning method using tactile board was designed in this study. Using tactile board to guide the tactile perception, the dispersion was limited to less than 6 mm, while the largest mean error was 8.1 mm, which was nearly equal to the minimal resolution of tactile board (8 mm). The response time greatly increased because of the standard processes in using tactile board. Moreover, the long‐term experiment to repeat the procedure could improve and sustain the subjects' performance in good results.
Linking mother access to dental care and child oral health
Authors: Grembowski David , Spiekerman Charles , Milgrom Peter 
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  The authors examined whether low‐income mothers, who have a regular source of dental care (RSDC), rate the dental health of their young children higher than mothers without an RSDC.Methods:  From a population of 108 151 children enrolled in Medicaid aged 3 to 6 years and their low‐income mothers in Washington state, a disproportionate stratified random sample of 11 305 children aged 3 to 6 years was selected from enrollment records in four racial/ethnic groups: 3791 Black; 2806 Hispanic; 1902 White; and 2806 other racial/ethnic groups. A mixed‐mode survey was conducted to measure mother RSDC and mother ratings of child’s dental health and pain. The unadjusted response rate was 44%, yielding the following eligible mothers: 816 Black, 1309 Hispanic, 1379 White, 237 Asian, and 133 American‐Indian. Separate regression models for Black, Hispanic, and White mothers estimated associations between the mothers having an RSDC and ratings of child dental health.Results:  Across racial/ethnic groups, mothers with an RSDC consistently rated their children’s dental health 0.15 higher on a 1‐to‐5 scale (where ‘1’ means ‘poor’ and ‘5’ means ‘excellent’) than mothers without an RSDC, controlling for child and mother characteristics and the mothers’ propensity to have an RSDC. This difference can be interpreted as a net movement of one level up the scale by 15% of the population.Conclusions:  Across racial/ethnic groups, low‐income mothers who have a regular source of dental care rate the dental health of their young children higher than mothers without an RSDC.
Evaluation of the mechanical and chemical control of dental biofilm in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Teitelbaum Ana P. , Pochapski Márcia T. , Jansen Jocélia L. , Sabbagh‐Haddad Aida , Santos Fábio A. , Czlusniak Gislaine D. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Objective:  To evaluate the mechanical and chemical control of dental biofilm in patients with Down syndrome, using different experimental dentifrices.Material and Methods:  Forty institutionalized children between ages 7 and 13 years in the mixed dentition phase participated in this study. An experimental cross‐over, blind clinical trial was used, having the following protocols: fluoridated dentifrice (protocol G1); fluoridated dentifrice + chlorhexidine (protocol G2); fluoridated dentifrice + chlorhexidine + plaque‐disclosing agent (protocol G3); and fluoridated dentifrice + plaque‐disclosing agent (protocol G4). Each experimental stage lasted 10 days with a 15‐day washout. The evaluated parameters were Plaque Index and gingival bleeding.Results:  The initial clinical conditions between each stage were similar. Statistical differences were observed (P < 0.001) for the clinical conditions evaluated before and after the treatments. The dentifrices containing plaque‐disclosing agent, irrespective of their association with chlorhexidine, produced a greater reduction in the final plaque index. As for gingival bleeding, the dentifrice containing erythrosine and the one containing chlorhexidine produced similar results. The dentifrice containing an association of chlorhexidine and erythrosine gave the best results.Conclusion:  With the methodology employed, it was possible to conclude that the combination of drugs (chlorhexidine, fluorine and erythrosine) within one dentifrice can be useful in controlling dental biofilm and in the reduction of gingival bleeding.
Congenital chylous ascites: the roles of fibrin glue and CD31
Authors: Densupsoontorn N , Jirapinyo P , Aanpreung P , Laohapensang M , Parichatikanond P 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA 6‐month‐old male infant who presented with abdominal distension and congenital chylous ascites was diagnosed. He was initially refractory to conservative therapy, and then was completely cured with ligation of megalymphatics and fibrin glue application. Immunoperoxidase staining for CD31 on the biopsied peritoneal tissues highlighted the lining cells of lymphatic spaces, which indicated lymphangiectasia.Conclusion: This case emphasizes the effectiveness of lymphatic ligation of the retroperitoneal megalymphatics in conjunction with fibrin glue application to cure congenital lymphangiectasia.
Linking woody species diversity with plant available water at a landscape scale in a Brazilian savanna
Authors: Ferreira Joice N. , Bustamante Mercedes M. da C. , Davidson Eric A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractQuestion: How is the diversity of woody species in a seasonally dry savanna related to plant available water (PAW)?Location: Savannas in central Brazil.Methods: Two‐dimensional soil resistivity profiles to 10‐m depth previously measured along three 10 m × 275 m replicate transects revealed differences in belowground water resources among and within transects: (1) driest/most heterogeneous; (2) wettest/least heterogeneous; and (3) PAW‐intermediate. All woody plants along these transects were identified to species, and height and basal circumference measured. Species diversity was evaluated for the whole transect (total diversity), 100‐m2 plots (alpha‐diversity) and dissimilarity among 100‐m2 plots within transects (beta‐diversity). Correlation analyses were conducted between PAW and vegetation variables at the 100‐m2 scale.Results: The driest/most heterogeneous transect had the lowest total species diversity, while the wettest/least heterogeneous transect showed the lowest beta‐diversity. Floristic variation was correlated with PAW in all transects. In the most heterogeneous transect, species density was positively correlated with PAW in the 0‐400 cm soil layer. Evenness and Simpson's diversity were negatively correlated with PAW in the 700‐1000 cm soil layer.Conclusion: Woody species diversity was related to PAW at a fine spatial scale. Abundant PAW in the top 4 m of soil may favour many species and increase species total diversity. Conversely, abundant PAW at depth may result in lower evenness and total diversity, probably because the few species adapted to obtaining deep soil water can become dominant. Environmental changes altering soil water availability and partitioning in soil layers could affect the diversity of woody plants in this savanna.
China’s Role in the 2007–2008 Global Food Price Boom and Bust Chinas Rolle beim weltweiten Anstieg und Rückgang der Lebensmittelpreise von 2007–2008 Le rôle de la Chine dans le gonflement et le dégonflement des prix alimentaires mondiaux de 2007–2008
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Zhong Funing , Zhu Jing 
Published: July 2009

SummaryChina’s Role in the 2007–2008 Global Food Price Boom and BustThe 2007–2008 agricultural commodity price boom was short‐lived, just like past agricultural commodity price spikes. Grain prices doubled or even tripled from 2006 to 2008, while accompanying food prices rose sharply. But prices then fell steeply in the latter part of 2008. Some international agencies argued that the high prices in 2008 were going to persist for many years, partly because of growing food import demand in China and other parts of Asia. So this article investigates China’s role in the 2007–2008 global food price boom and bust. We find that contrary to some claims, income, demand and trade growth in China cannot be blamed for the increase in global food prices in 2007–2008. In fact, in China, growth in meat consumption in the urban areas has slowed down since the 1990s and per capita urban meat consumption has been very constant since 2002. In the rural areas, per capita meat consumption has also stabilized in the last five years. China did not overreact to the 2007–2008 food price boom and one could even argue that strong government intervention in China’s grain sector was a stabilizing factor in the world grain markets over the last two years.
Agricultural and Rural Development in China: Achievements and Challenges Entwicklung der Landwirtschaft und des ländlichen Raums in China: Erfolge und Herausforderungen Le développement agricole et rural en Chine : résultats et défis
Authors: Xiaohua Chen 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAgricultural and Rural Development in China: Achievements and ChallengesChina has made great advances in its agricultural and rural development since the reforms and opening‐up that began in 1978. It has not only fed its population of 1.3 billion, but has also contributed to international agricultural development and food security. Agricultural production registered great development, providing sufficient food and clothes for 21 per cent of the world’s population with 9 per cent of the arable land. In the process farmers’ living standards improved remarkably and rural public utilities and services were greatly enhanced. China is now in a key transition period of accelerating the transformation and modernisation of traditional agriculture and rural society. It is facing significant challenges. Agriculture is still one of the weakest industries in China and it is proving difficult to sustain increases in grain output and farmers’ incomes. The problems of uneven development in rural areas have become increasingly prominent and the gap between urban and rural development is tending to widen. The Chinese government will respond strategically to these challenges and will firmly pursue the construction of a new efficient and sustainable socialist countryside, along the path of modernisation with Chinese characteristics. It will also make greater contributions to world agriculture and rural development.
The incidence of exercise-associated hyponatraemia in the London marathon
Authors: Kipps Courtney , Sharma Sanjay , Pedoe Dan Tunstall 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundExercise-associated hyponatraemia (EAH) is a potentially fatal cause of collapse in endurance exercise. It is understood to be a dilutional hyponatraemia caused by an increase of total body water relative to the amount of exchangeable sodium stores. Fourteen runners presented to one London hospital with symptomatic EAH several hours after finishing the 2003 London Marathon, and more recently, a young male runner died from the complications of severe EAH after crossing the finish line of the London Marathon.ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of EAH in runners in the London Marathon.MethodsVolunteers were recruited at race registration where they were weighed, had blood tests and completed a demographic and experience questionnaire. Weights, blood tests and a fluid intake questionnaire were repeated after the finish. Blood was analysed on-site using hand-held i-STAT blood analysers.ResultsOf the 88 volunteers, 11 (12.5%) developed asymptomatic hyponatraemia (serum sodium 128–134 mmol/l). They consumed more fluid (p<0.001) and gained more weight (p<0.001) than did those without hyponatraemia.ConclusionsA significant proportion (12.5%) of healthy volunteers developed asymptomatic hyponatraemia running a marathon in cool conditions. On average, these runners consumed more fluid and gained more weight than did non-hyponatraemic runners, although fluid intake was not related to weight gain in this study. Four of the 11 hyponatraemic runners lost weight over the course of the marathon, strengthening the case for an additional factor, such as inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release during exercise, in the development of EAH.
A novel submaximal cycle test to monitor fatigue and predict cycling performance
Authors: Lamberts R P , Swart J , Noakes T D , Lambert M I 
Published: July 2009

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and predictive value of performance parameters, measured by a new novel submaximal cycle protocol, on peak power and endurance cycling performance in well-trained cyclists.MethodsSeventeen well-trained competitive male road racing cyclists completed four peak power output (PPO) tests and four 40-km time trials (40-km TT). Before each test, all cyclists performed a novel submaximal cycle test (Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT)). Parameters associated with performance such as power, speed, cadence and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the three stages of the test when cyclists rode at workloads coinciding with fixed predetermined heart rates. Heart rate recovery (HRR) was measured after the last stage of the test.ResultsParameters measured during the second and third stages of the LSCT were highly reliable (intraclass correlation range: R=0.85−1.00) with low typical error of measurements (range: 1.3−4.4%). Good relationships were found between the LSCT and cycling performance measured by the PPO and 40-km TT tests. Mean power had stronger relationships with measures of cycling performance during the second (r=0.80−0.89) and third stages (r=0.91−0.94) of the LSCT than HRR (r=0.55−0.68).ConclusionsThe LSCT is a reliable novel test which is able to predict peak and endurance cycling performance from submaximal power, RPE and HRR in well-trained cyclists. As these parameters are able to detect meaningful changes more accurately than VO2max, the LSCT has the potential to monitor cycling performance with more precision than other current existing submaximal cycle protocols.
Effect of a neuromuscular warm-up programme on muscle power, balance, speed and agility: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Pasanen K , Parkkari J , Pasanen M , Kannus P 
Published: July 2009

Objective:To investigate whether a 6-month neuromuscular warm-up programme could improve muscle power, balance, speed and agility.Design:Cluster randomised controlled study.Setting:27 top level female floorball teams in Finland.Participants:222 players (mean age 24 years); 119 in the intervention group and 103 in the control group were followed-up for one league season (6 months).Intervention:A neuromuscular warm-up programme included sports-specific running technique, balance, jumping and strengthening exercises. The teams were advised to use the programme 1–3 times per week through the league season. One training session took ∼25 min.Main outcome measures:Performance tests were assessed before and after the 6-month intervention and included static jump, countermovement jump, jumping over a bar, standing on a bar and figure-of-eight running.Results:At 6 months, significant between-group differences were found in two outcome measures: jumping over a bar (number of jumps in 15 s) and standing on a bar (number of balance losses in 60 s). These differences were 2.3 jumps (95% CI 0.8 to 3.8, p = 0.003), favouring the intervention group, and −0.4 balance losses (95% CI −0.8 to 0.0, p = 0.050), again in favour of the intervention group.Conclusion:A neuromuscular warm-up programme improved the floorball players’ sideways jumping speed and static balance. The exercises were also safe to perform and can thus be recommended for weekly training of floorball players.Trial registration number:ISRCTN26550281.
Paraglacial adjustment of the fluvial system to Late Pleistocene deglaciation: the Milfield Basin, northern England
Authors: Passmore David G. , Waddington Clive 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Landform–sediment assemblages in the middle reaches of the River Till in the Milfield Basin, northern England, provide a comparatively rare example of a fluvial system emerging from drainage of a Late Pleistocene ice-dammed lake. This paper reviews the chronology and sequencing of Late Pleistocene lake drainage and early Holocene valley-floor development using new geomorphological, palaeoenvironmental and radiocarbon data, and considers the results in the context of paraglacial models of landscape response. The balance of currently available evidence suggests drainage of the proglacial lake occurred some time between the end of the Dimlington Stadial and the relatively mild climate of the Windermere Interstadial. Fluvial downcutting through glaciodeltaic and glaciolacustrine sediments was associated with recoupling of the fluvial sediment system to lower reaches of the Till and paraglacial development of inset fluvial terraces and valley widening prior to establishment of early Holocene channel systems at least 13–15 m below the equivalent glaciodeltaic surface. This short-lived phase of high paraglacial sediment yield was followed by relatively abrupt relaxation of coarse-sediment reworking as Holocene channels became largely decoupled from Late Pleistocene sand and gravel terraces in the basin. The combination of a bedrock barrier at the basin outlet and relatively gentle valley gradients in the basin has promoted a tendency towards Holocene floodplain alluviation (in central parts of the basin) with little net change in channel elevation until recent historic times. Paraglacial landscape modifications will have continued to exert an influence on the fluvial system during the Holocene, especially with regard to fine sediment yields from localized erosion of glaciolacustrine deposits, but this has most probably diminished considerably with time as sediment supplies to the basin increasingly reflect the impact of anthropogenic catchment disturbance and reworking of Holocene valley-floor deposits.