bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progestagen Supplementation During Early Pregnancy does not Improve Embryo Survival in Pigs
Authors: Soede NM , Bouwman EG , van der Laan I , Hazeleger W , Jourquin J , Langendijk P , Kemp B 
Published: January 2012

ContentsProgesterone supplementation during early pregnancy may increase embryo survival in pigs. The current study evaluated whether oral supplementation with an analogue of progesterone, altrenogest (ALT), affects embryo survival. A first experiment evaluated the effect of a daily 20‐mg dosage of ALT during days 1–4 or 2–4 after onset of oestrus on embryo survival at day 42 of pregnancy. A control group (CTR1) was not treated. The time of ovulation was estimated by transrectal ultrasound at 12‐h intervals. Altrenogest treatment significantly reduced pregnancy rate when start of treatment was before or at ovulation: 25% (5/20) compared to later start of treatment [85% (28/33)] and non‐treated CTR1 [100% (23/23)]. Altrenogest treatment also reduced (p < 0.05) number of foetuses, from 14.6 ± 2.6 in CTR1 to 12.5 ± 2.5 when ALT started 1–1.5 days from ovulation and 10.7 ± 2.9 when ALT started 0–0.5 days from ovulation. In a second experiment, sows with a weaning‐to‐oestrous interval (WOI) of 6, 7 or 8–14 days were given ALT [either 20 mg (ALT20; n = 49) or 10 mg (ALT10; n = 48)] at day 4 and day 6 after onset of oestrus or were not treated (CTR2; n = 49), and farrowing rate and litter size were evaluated. Weaning‐to‐oestrous interval did not affect farrowing rate or litter size. ALT did not affect farrowing rate (86% vs 90% in CTR2), but ALT20 tended to have a lower litter size compared with CTR2 (11.7 ± 4.1 vs 13.3 ± 3.1; p = 0.07) and ALT10 was intermediate (12.3 ± 2.9). In conclusion, altrenogest supplementation too soon after ovulation reduces fertilization rate and embryo survival rate and altrenogest supplementation at 4–6 days of pregnancy reduces litter size. As a consequence, altrenogest supplementation during early pregnancy may reduce both farrowing rate and litter size and cannot be applied at this stage in practice as a remedy against low litter size.
Potential role of green tea catechins in various disease therapies: Progress and promise
Authors: Mak Judith CW 
Published: January 2012

Summary
Green tea (from the plant Camellia sinensis), a beverage whose consumption started 5000 years ago in China, has important biological and pharmacological properties.
The beneficial effects of green tea have been attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds that are powerful anti‐oxidants and free iron scavengers. Of all the catechins found in green tea, namely (–)‐epicatechin‐3‐gallate, (–)‐epigallocatechin, (–)‐epicatechin and (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), EGCG is the most abundant and powerful.
It is widely believed that green tea may protect against death from all causes, especially cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease and stroke) owing to the presence of catechins associated with green tea consumption. Other health benefits include various types of cancer chemoprevention, weight loss and protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease).
Thus far, numerous pharmacological activities regulating disease‐specific molecular targets have been reported in vitro for EGCG concentrations in the micromolar range, which are physiologically irrelevant. Although most of the studies have shown benefits with two to three cups of green tea per day, the optimal dose has not yet been established to enable any solid conclusions to be drawn regarding the various health benefits of green tea or its constituents in humans. With Phase I trials providing information on the safety profile and pharmacokinetics of EGCG, the window of opportunity is wider to undertake well‐controlled long‐term human studies to enable a full understanding of the protective effects of green tea catechins on various parameters in different settings.
What other anomalies? Failure to wean post ventricular septal defect repair secondary to anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Callaghan Michael Andrew , O’Hare Brendan , Casey William 
Published: January 2012

SummaryA six week old infant underwent ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect closure. Preoperative echocardiography showed evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The post operative course was complicated failure to wean from ventilatory and inotropic support. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and suggested some fistulous drainage of the left coronary artery into the right pulmonary artery; this anomalous drainage of the left coronary artery into the right pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) was confirmed with coronary angiogram. Re‐implantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta was performed. Extra‐corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was required to allow time for ventricular recovery. Supports were weaned gradually, with concurrent evidence of LV recovery and the child was discharged on postoperative day 30. ALCAPA is rare and typically presents at 8 weeks of age with symptoms of heart failure, as pulmonary pressure falls leading to myocardial ischaemia due to myocardial hypoperfusion with relatively desaturated blood. In our case the pulmonary hypertension and left to right shunt preoperatively were protective, maintaining forward flow of relatively oxygenated blood. While protective to the myocardium this made the preoperative diagnosis of ALCAPA difficult, as there was no flow reversal on Doppler echocardiography. Closure of the septal defects meant this protective effect was lost, with subsequent severe myocardial ischaemia and heart failure. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of ALCAPA, the ‘protective’ effects of pulmonary hypertension with ALCAPA, and the importance of early cardiac catheterization in the setting of unexplained failure to wean post cardiac surgery.
The polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism controls carbon and energy spillage in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Escapa I. F. , García J. L. , Bühler B. , Blank L. M. , Prieto M. A. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe synthesis and degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), the storage polymer of many bacteria, is linked to the operation of central carbon metabolism. To rationalize the impact of PHA accumulation on central carbon metabolism of the prototype bacterium Pseudomonas putida, we have revisited PHA production in quantitative physiology experiments in the wild‐type strain vs. a PHA negative mutant growing under low nitrogen conditions. When octanoic acid was used as PHA precursor and as carbon and energy source, we have detected higher intracellular flux via acetyl‐CoA in the mutant strain than in the wild type, which correlates with the stimulation of the TCA cycle and glyoxylate shunt observed on the transcriptional level. The mutant defective in carbon and energy storage spills the additional resources, releasing CO2 instead of generating biomass. Hence, P. putida operates the metabolic network to optimally exploit available resources and channels excess carbon and energy to storage via PHA, without compromising growth. These findings demonstrate that the PHA metabolism plays a critical role in synchronizing global metabolism to availability of resources in PHA‐producing microorganisms.
The microbial ecology of anaerobic cellulose degradation in municipal waste landfill sites: evidence of a role for fibrobacters
Authors: McDonald James E. , Houghton James N. I. , Rooks David J. , Allison Heather E. , McCarthy Alan J. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryCellulose is reputedly the most abundant organic polymer in the biosphere, yet despite the fundamental role of cellulolytic microorganisms in global carbon cycling and as potential sources of novel enzymes for biotechnology, their identity and ecology is not well established. Cellulose is a major component of landfill waste and its degradation is therefore a key feature of the anaerobic microbial decomposition process. Here, we targeted a number of taxa containing known cellulolytic anaerobes (members of the bacterial genus Fibrobacter, lineages of Clostridium clusters I, III, IV and XIV, and anaerobic fungi of the Neocallimastigales) in landfill leachate and colonized cellulose ‘baits’ via PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Fibrobacter spp. and Clostridium clusters III, IV and XIV were detected in almost all leachate samples and cluster III and XIV clostridia were the most abundant (1–6% and 1–17% of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies respectively). Two landfill leachate microcosms were constructed to specifically assess those microbial communities that colonize and degrade cellulose substrates in situ. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of colonized cotton revealed extensive cellulose degradation in one microcosm, and Fibrobacter spp. and Clostridium cluster III represented 29% and 17%, respectively, of total bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies in the biofilm. Visible cellulose degradation was not observed in the second microcosm, and this correlated with negligible relative abundances of Clostridium cluster III and Fibrobacter spp. (≤ 0.1%), providing the first evidence that the novel fibrobacters recently detected in landfill sites and other non‐gut environments colonize and degrade cellulose substrates in situ.
Weight changes and their predictors amongst 11 140 patients with type 2 diabetes in the ADVANCE trial
Authors: van Dieren S. , Czernichow S. , Chalmers J. , Kengne A. P. , de Galan B. E. , Poulter N. , Woodward M. , Beulens J. W. J. , Grobbee D. E. , van der Schouw Y. T. , Zoungas S. 
Published: January 2012

Aims: To determine the baseline characteristics and glucose‐lowering therapies associated with weight change among patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: Eleven thousand one hundred and forty participants in the ADVANCE trial were randomly assigned to an intensive [aiming for a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤6.5%] or a standard blood glucose‐control strategy. Weight was measured at baseline and every 6 months over a median follow‐up of 5 years. Multivariable linear regression and linear‐mixed effect models were used to examine predictors of weight change.Results: The mean difference in weight between the intensive and standard glucose‐control arm during follow‐up was 0.75 kg (95% CI: 0.56–0.94), p‐value <0.001. The mean weight decreased by 0.70 kg (95% CI: 0.53–0.87), p < 0.001 by the end of follow‐up in the standard arm but remained stable in the intensive arm, with a non‐significant gain of 0.16 kg (95% CI: −0.02 to 0.34), p = 0.075. Baseline factors associated with weight gain were younger age, higher HbA1c, Caucasian ethnicity and number of glucose‐lowering medications. Treatment combinations including insulin [3.22 kg (95% CI: 2.92–3.52)] and thiazolidinediones [3.06 kg (95% CI: 2.69–3.43)] were associated with the greatest weight gain while treatment combinations including sulphonylureas were associated with less weight gain [0.71 kg (95%CI: 0.39–1.03)].Conclusions: Intensive glucose‐control regimens are not necessarily associated with substantial weight gain. Patient characteristic associated with weight change were age, ethnicity, smoking and HbA1c. The main treatment strategies predicting weight gain were the use of insulin and thiazolidinediones.
Poor and Rich: Student Economic Stratification and Academic Performance in a Public Research University System
Authors: Douglass John , Thomson Gregg 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOne sees various efforts in developed as well as in developing economies to seek a greater participation of lower‐income students in their nation's leading universities. Once lower‐income students do enroll in a highly selective institution, what happens to them? How well do they do academically when compared to their more wealthy counterparts? How integrated are they into the academic community and in their satisfaction with their choice and sense of support by the institution and fellow students? These are crucial questions, if and when élite universities in various parts of the world become more representative of their general population; the stated desire of most of these institution, virtually all of which are nationally funded entities that must justify their public subsidies. This paper explores the divide between poor and rich students, first comparing a group of selective US institutions and their number and percentage of Pell Grant recipients and then, using institutional data and results from the University of California, Student Experience in the Research University Survey (SERU Survey), presenting an analysis of the high percentage of low‐income undergraduate students within the University of California system; who they are, their academic performance and quality of their undergraduate experience.
GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphism in polymorphous light eruption
Authors: Zirbs M. , Pürner C. , Buters J.T.M. , Effner R. , Weidinger S. , Ring J. , Eberlein B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common chronic and idiopathic photodermatosis. PLE is assumed to represent an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to a radiation‐induced cutaneous antigen involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the basis of a genetic predisposition. Among others, cellular protection against ROS is provided by glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs). Different variants of the GST enzymes may influence the activity and efficiency of detoxification and biotransformation of unknown UV‐induced skin‐antigens and other factors that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PLE.Methods  In this study the relationship between isoenzymes of the GST genes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 and possible protective or predisposing effects on PLE was examined in 29 patients and 144 controls. Diagnosis of PLE was based on the presence of characteristic clinical features.Results  No association between the functional polymorphisms of the GST gene family and PLE was found. Prevalence of certain GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms in patients with PLE did not differ from healthy controls.Conclusion  Our data do not support prevalence of GST isoenzymes or polymorphisms as a protective effect against PLE. Especially a higher carrier frequency of GSTP1 Val105 as a protective factor against PLE which has been published before could not be proved. The GST genotypes GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 (including SNPs) seem to have no relevant association with PLE.
Revision of the fossil vole assemblage (Mammalia, Rodentia, Arvicolidae) from Pleistocene deposits at Kisláng, Hungary
Authors: MAYHEW DAVID F. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The species‐rich fossil vertebrate assemblage from Pleistocene sedimentary deposits at Kisláng, Hungary, was originally described as containing eight species of arvicolids, six of which were considered new. Re‐examination of the material in the collection of the Hungarian Geological Institute, consisting of most of the previously described material, including the six name‐bearing types and also further undescribed specimens, indicates that the taxa Kislangia rex, Mimomys cf. hassiacus, Mimomys coelodus, Mimomys pusillus, Mimomys tornensis, Pitymimomys sp., Borsodia newtoni, Lagurodon arankae and Allophaiomys deucalion are present. Most of these species are compatible with Early Pleistocene age close to the boundary between the Villányian and Biharian regional stages (MQR10, MQ1, c. 1.6–2.0 Ma). However, the specimen of Mimomys cf. hassiacus is of approximately mid‐Pliocene age (MN15 c. 3.6–4.0 Ma), and one of the Pitymimomys specimens is referable to P. stenokorys, described from the earliest Pleistocene (MNR2–MNR3, MN17 c. 2.3–2.4 Ma). The assemblage is therefore interpreted as derived from at least three different geological periods and because of reworking of material is considered unusable to characterize any particular stratigraphic level. These conclusions are placed in the context of historical and current biostratigraphies.
New Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) from Cretaceous ambers of Spain and France: first spiders described using phase‐contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography
Authors: SAUPE ERIN E. , PÉREZ‐de la FUENTE RICARDO , SELDEN PAUL A. , DELCLÒS XAVIER , TAFFOREAU PAUL , SORIANO CARMEN 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Two new species of Orchestina (Araneae: Oonopidae) are described as O. gappi sp. nov. and O. rabagensis sp. nov. from the Cretaceous of France and Spain, respectively. Two additional specimens from Spain are placed within Orchestina but not assigned to species. These formal descriptions are the oldest for the genus and the family Oonopidae. The discovery of these older Orchestina is not surprising, as the genus is considered a basal member of the Oonopidae and one of the most diverse and long‐lived spider lineages. Two of the spiders were imaged at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using propagation phase‐contrast X‐ray synchrotron microtomography, demonstrating once again the enormous potential of this technique for studying fossil inclusions in amber.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use and risk of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Lee Yen‐Chieh , Chang Chia‐Hsuin , Lin Jou‐Wei , Chen Hsi‐Chieh , Lin Min‐Shung , Lai Mei‐Shu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground/AimsThe upper gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use among cirrhotic patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of upper GI adverse events associated with celecoxib and oral and parenteral non‐selective NSAIDs in cirrhotic patients.MethodsAll the patients aged ≥ 20 years with a diagnosis of cirrhosis hospitalized for variceal bleeding and non‐variceal upper GI adverse events (oesophageal, gastric, duodenal ulcer, bleeding; gastritis and duodenitis) in 2006 were identified using ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes from inpatient claims from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. In the case‐crossover study design, the case period was defined as 1–30 days and the control period as 31–60 days before the date of hospitalization. The information for individual NSAID use was obtained from the outpatient pharmacy prescription database. Adjusted self‐matched odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with a conditional logistic regression model.ResultsA total of 4876 cirrhotic patients were included. The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.44 (0.89–2.31) for celecoxib, 1.87 (1.66–2.11) for oral non‐selective NSAIDs and 1.90 (1.55–2.32) for parenteral NSAIDs overall. Risks were similar for variceal and non‐variceal events. Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists tended to decrease the upper GI toxicity associated with non‐selective NSAIDs and celecoxib.ConclusionThe use of nsNSAIDs but not celecoxib was associated with a two‐fold increased risk of variceal and non‐variceal upper GI events among cirrhotic patients.
Fetal Movement Counting—Maternal Concern and Experiences: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Saastad Eli , Winje Brita A. , Israel Pravin , Frøen J. Frederik 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  Fetal movement counting may improve timely identification of decreased fetal activity and thereby contribute to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, but it may also contribute to maternal concern. This study aimed to test whether fetal movement counting increased maternal concern.Methods:  In a multicenter, controlled trial 1,013 women with a singleton pregnancy were randomly assigned either to perform daily fetal movement counting from pregnancy week 28 or to follow standard Norwegian antenatal care where fetal movement counting is not encouraged. The primary outcome was maternal concern, measured by the Cambridge Worry Scale. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat.Results:  The means and SDs on Cambridge Worry Scale scores were 0.77 (0.55) and 0.90 (0.62) for the intervention and the control groups, respectively, a mean difference between the groups of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06–0.21, p < 0.001). Decreased fetal activity was of concern to 433 women once or more during pregnancy, 45 and 42 percent in the intervention and control groups, respectively (relative risk = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.2). Seventy‐nine percent of the women responded favorably to the use of counting charts.Conclusions:  Women who performed fetal movement counting in the third trimester reported less concern than those in the control group. The frequency of maternal report of concern about decreased fetal activity was similar between the groups. Most women considered the use of a counting chart to be positive. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)
Women’s Experiences of Participating in the Early External Cephalic Version 2 Trial
Authors: Murray‐Davis Beth , Marion Anya , Malott Anne , Reitsma Angela , Hutton Eileen K. ,   the Early ECV2 Trial Collaborative Group
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  The international, multicenter External Cephalic Version 2 (ECV2) Trial compared early external cephalic version at 340/7 to 356/7 weeks with that at greater than 37 weeks. A total of 1,543 women were randomized from 68 centers in 21 countries. The goal of this component of the trial was to understand women’s views about participation in a research trial and timing of external cephalic version.Methods:  A postpartum questionnaire was completed containing a 5‐point Likert scale examining contact and availability of staff, choice of timing of external cephalic version, preference of randomization, convenience of participating, and overall satisfaction. Participants also completed two open‐ended questions related to timing of external cephalic version and satisfaction with the trial. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze data.Results:  A total of 1,458 women completed the questionnaire, of whom 86 percent said “yes”—they would participate in the trial again. Themes influencing decisions about participating were perceptions of the external cephalic version experience, preferred mode of delivery, preferred timing of external cephalic version, and perceptions of the effectiveness of external cephalic version and of the trial environment. Many participants preferred the early timing of the procedure offered through the trial because of perceived advantages of a smaller baby being easier to turn and the opportunity for repeat procedures.Conclusions:  Women were positive about their participation in the trial. Early external cephalic version was preferred over the traditional timing as it was perceived to afford both physiologic and practical advantages. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)