bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image Quality in Low-dose Multidetector Computed Tomography: A Pilot Study to Assess Feasibility and Dose Optimization in Whole-body Bone Imaging
Authors: Gleeson Tadhg G. , Byrne Brenda , Kenny Pat , Last Jason , Fitzpatrick Patricia , O'Gorman Peter , Eustace Steven J. 
Published: March 2010

Objective To study the impact of dose parameters on image quality at whole-body low-dose multidetector computed tomography (CT) in an attempt to derive parameters that allow diagnostic quality images of the skeletal system without incurring significant radiation dose in patients referred for investigation of plasma cell dyscrasias. Methods By using a single cadaver, 14 different whole-body low-dose CT protocols were individually assessed by 2 radiologists, blinded to acquisition parameters (kVp and mAs, reconstruction algorithm, dose reduction software). Combinations of kVps that range from 80-140 kVp, and tube current time product from 14–125 mAs were individually scored by using a Likert scale from 1–5 in 4 separate anatomical areas (skull base, thoracic spine, pelvis, and distal femora). Correlation between readers scores and effective doses were obtained by using correlation coefficient statistical analysis, statistical significance was considered P < .01. Interobserver agreement was assessed by using a Bland and Altman plot. Interobserver agreement in each of the 4 anatomical areas was assessed by using kappa statistics. A single set of parameters was then selected for use in future clinical trials in a cohort of patients referred for investigation of monoclonal gammopathy, including multiple myeloma. Results Several sets of exposure parameters allowed low-dose whole-body CT to be performed with effective doses similar to skeletal survey while preserving diagnostic image quality. Individual reader's and average combined scores showed a strong inverse correlation with effective dose (reader 1, r = −0.78, P = .0001; reader 2, r = −0.75, P = .0003); average combined scores r = −0.81, P < .0001). Bland and Altman plot of overall scores shows reasonable interobserver agreement, with a mean difference of 1.055. Conclusion Whole-body low-dose CT can be used to obtain adequate CT image quality to assess normal osseous detail while delivering effective doses similar to those associated with conventional radiographic skeletal survey.
The effects of branched-chain amino acid interactions on growth performance, blood metabolites, enzyme kinetics and transcriptomics in weaned pigs
Authors: Wiltafsky Markus Karl , Pfaffl Michael Walter , Roth Franz Xaver 
Published: March 2010

The impact of excess dietary leucine (Leu) was studied in two growth assays with pigs (8–25 kg). In each trial, forty-eight pigs were allotted to one of six dietary groups. The dietary Leu supply increased from treatment L100 to L200 (three increments). To guarantee that interactions between the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were not cushioned either surpluses of isoleucine (Ile, expt 1) or valine (Val; expt 2) were avoided. In the fifth treatment, the effects of a simultaneous excess of Leu and Val (expt 1), or of Leu and Ile (expt 2) were investigated. The sixth treatment was a positive control. An increase in dietary Leu decreased growth performance, and increased plasma Leu and serum α-keto-isocaproate levels in a linear, dose-dependent manner. Levels of plasma Ile and Val, and of serum α-keto-β-methylvalerate and α-keto-isovalerate, indicated increased catabolism. Linear increases in the activity of basal branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase in the liver confirmed these findings. No major alterations occurred in the mRNA of branched-chain amino acid catabolism genes. In liver tissue from expt 2, however, the mRNA levels of growth hormone receptor, insulin-like growth factor acid labile subunit and insulin-like growth factor 1 decreased significantly with increasing dietary Leu. In conclusion, excess dietary Leu increased the catabolism of BCAA mainly through posttranscriptional mechanisms. The impact of excess Leu on the growth hormone–insulin-like growth factor-1 axis requires further investigation.
Support of drug therapy using functional foods and dietary supplements: focus on statin therapy
Authors: Eussen Simone , Klungel Olaf , Garssen Johan , Verhagen Hans , van Kranen Henk , van Loveren Henk , Rompelberg Cathy 
Published: March 2010

Functional foods and dietary supplements might have a role in supporting drug therapy. These products may (1) have an additive effect to the effect that a drug has in reducing risk factors associated with certain conditions, (2) contribute to improve risk factors associated with the condition, other than the risk factor that the drug is dealing with, or (3) reduce drug-associated side effects, for example, by restoring depleted compounds or by reducing the necessary dose of the drug. Possible advantages compared with a multidrug therapy are lower drug costs, fewer side effects and increased adherence. In the present review we have focused on the support of statin therapy using functional foods or dietary supplements containing plant sterols and/or stanols, soluble dietary fibre,n-3 PUFA or coenzyme Q10. We conclude that there is substantial evidence that adding plant sterols and/or stanols to statin therapy further reduces total and LDL-cholesterol by roughly 6 and 10 %, respectively. Addingn-3 PUFA to statin therapy leads to a significant reduction in plasma TAG of at least 15 %. Data are insufficient and not conclusive to recommend the use of soluble fibre or coenzyme Q10in patients on statin therapy and more randomised controlled trials towards these combinations are warranted. Aside from the possible beneficial effects from functional foods or dietary supplements on drug therapy, it is important to examine possible (negative) effects from the combination in the long term, for example, in post-marketing surveillance studies. Moreover, it is important to monitor whether the functional foods and dietary supplements are taken in the recommended amounts to induce significant effects.
An optimal strategy for functional mapping of dynamic trait loci
Authors: JIN TIANBO , LI JIAHAN , GUO YING , ZHOU XIAOJING , YANG RUNQING , WU RONGLING 
Published: March 2010

SummaryAs an emerging powerful approach for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for dynamic traits, functional mapping models the time-dependent mean vector with biologically meaningful equations and are likely to generate biologically relevant and interpretable results. Given the autocorrelation nature of a dynamic trait, functional mapping needs the implementation of the models for the structure of the covariance matrix. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive set of approaches for modelling the covariance structure and incorporated each of these approaches into the framework of functional mapping. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) values are used as a model selection criterion to choose the optimal combination of the submodels for the mean vector and covariance structure. In an example for leaf age growth from a rice molecular genetic project, the best submodel combination was found between the Gaussian model for the correlation structure, power equation of order 1 for the variance and the power curve for the mean vector. Under this combination, several significant QTLs for leaf age growth trajectories were detected on different chromosomes. Our model can be well used to study the genetic architecture of dynamic traits of agricultural values.
Composite interval mapping to identify quantitative trait loci for point-mass mixture phenotypes
Authors: TAYLOR SANDRA L. , POLLARD KATHERINE S. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryIncreasingly researchers are conducting quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in metabolomics and proteomics studies. These data often are distributed as a point-mass mixture, consisting of a spike at zero in combination with continuous non-negative measurements. Composite interval mapping (CIM) is a common method used to map QTL that has been developed only for normally distributed or binary data. Here we propose a two-part CIM method for identifying QTLs when the phenotype is distributed as a point-mass mixture. We compare our new method with existing normal and binary CIM methods through an analysis of metabolomics data fromArabidopsis thaliana. We then conduct a simulation study to further understand the power and error rate of our two-part CIM method relative to normal and binary CIM methods. Our results show that the two-part CIM has greater power and a lower false positive rate than the other methods when a continuous phenotype is measured with many zero observations.
Connecting Discourses: Academic and Professional Worlds
Authors: Wharton Sue , Mann Steve 
Published: March 2010

Centre for Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick, UK; 15–16 May 2009The overall co-ordinators of this seminar were Steve Mann and Sue Wharton. C. K. Jung was web co-ordinator, and the supporting committee was made up of Tilly Harrison, Duncan Hunter, Stefanie Stadler, Fei Chuang and Tim Kelly. Approximately 27 people attended, from institutions in Austria, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the UK.
Key Themes in Intercultural Communication Pedagogy
Authors: Woodin Jane 
Published: March 2010

University of Sheffield, UK; 9–10 July 2009The seminar, organised by Jane Woodin, Gibson Ferguson, Valerie Hobbs and Lesley Walker (School of Modern Languages & Linguistics and School of English, University of Sheffield), aimed to bring together those working in intercultural communication (IC) pedagogy largely – though not exclusively – in the higher education sector. It drew inspiration from the growing number of courses with an intercultural element, from stand-alone modules and training courses to Master's degrees.
First encounter of European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2) in a bat in Finland
Authors: JAKAVA-VILJANEN M. , LILLEY T. , KYHERÖINEN E.-M. , HUOVILAINEN A. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYIn Finland, rabies in bats was suspected for the first time in 1985 when a bat researcher, who had multiple bat bites, died in Helsinki. The virus isolated from the researcher proved to be antigenically related to rabies viruses previously detected in German bats. Later, the virus was typed as EBLV-2b. Despite an epidemiological study in bats 1986 and subsequent rabies surveillance, rabies in bats was not detected in Finland until the first case in a Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) was confirmed in August 2009. The bat was paralysed, occasionally crying, and biting when approached; it subsequently tested positive for rabies. The virus was genetically typed as EBLV-2. This is the northernmost case of bat rabies ever detected in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the EBLV-2b isolate from the human case in 1985 and the isolate from the bat in 2009 were genetically closely related, demonstrating that EBLV-2 may have been circulating in Finland for many years.
The disease pyramid for acute gastrointestinal illness in New Zealand
Authors: LAKE R. J. , ADLAM S. B. , PERERA S. , CAMPBELL D. M. , BAKER M. G. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYThe disease pyramid of under-ascertainment for surveillance of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in New Zealand has been estimated using 2005–2007 data on notifiable diseases, a community telephone survey, and a survey of diagnostic laboratories. For each notified case of AGI there were an estimated 222 cases in the community, about 49 of which visited a general practitioner. Faecal samples were requested from about 15 of these cases, and 13 samples were provided. Of the faecal samples, pathogens were detected in about three cases. These ratios are similar to those reported in other developed countries, and provide baseline measurements of the AGI burden in the New Zealand community.
Sample size for detecting and estimating the proportion of transgenic plants with narrow confidence intervals
Authors: Montesinos López Osval Antonio , Montesinos López Abelardo , Crossa José , Eskridge Kent , Hernández Suárez Carlos Moises 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDetecting the presence of genetically modified plants (adventitious presence of unwanted transgenic plants, AP) from outcrossing species such as maize requires a method that lowers laboratory costs without losing precision. Group testing is a procedure in which groups that contain several units (plants) are analysed without having to inspect individual plants, with the purpose of estimating the prevalence of AP in a population at a low cost without losing precision. When pool (group) testing is used to estimate the prevalence of AP (p), there are sampling procedures for calculating a confidence interval (CI); however, they usually do not ensure precision in the estimation ofp. This research proposes a method to determine the number of pools (g), given a pool size (k), that ensures precision in the estimated proportion of AP (that is, it ensures a narrow CI). In addition, the study computes the maximum likelihood estimator ofpunder pool testing and its exact CI, considering the detection limit of the laboratory,d, and the concentration of AP per unit (c). The proposed sample procedure involves two steps: (1) obtain a sample size that guarantees that the mean width of the CI (\overline{w}) is narrower than the desired width (ω); and (2) iteratively increase the sample size until\overline{w}is smaller than the desired width (ω) with a specified degree of certainty (γ). Simulated data were created and tables are presented showing the different possible scenarios that a researcher may encounter. An R program is given and explained that will reproduce the results and make it easy for the researcher to create other scenarios.
Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and the influencing factors among non-parent caregivers of rural left-behind children under 7 years old in China
Authors: Tan Cai , Luo Jiayou , Zong Rong , Fu Chuhui , Zhang Lingli , Mou Jinsong , Duan Danhui 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo explore and compare nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) between non-parent and parent caregivers of children under 7 years old in Chinese rural areas, and to identify the factors influencing their nutrition KAB.DesignFace-to-face interviews were carried out with 1691 non-parent caregivers and 1670 parent caregivers in the selected study areas; multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the factors influencing nutrition KAB in caregivers.ResultsThe awareness rate of nutrition knowledge, the rate of positive attitudes and the rate of optimal behaviours in non-parent caregivers (52·2 %, 56·9 % and 37·7 %, respectively) were significantly lower than in the parent group (63·8 %, 62·1 % and 42·8 %, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression modelling showed that caregivers’ family income and care will, and children’s age and gender, were associated with caregivers’ nutrition KAB after controlling the possible confounding variables (caregivers’ age, gender, education and occupation).ConclusionsNon-parent caregivers had relatively poor nutrition KAB. Extra efforts and targeted education programmes aimed to improve rural non-parent caregivers’ nutrition KAB are wanted and need to be emphasized.
Influences on child fruit and vegetable intake: sociodemographic, parental and child factors in a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Jones Louise R , Steer Colin D , Rogers Imogen S , Emmett Pauline M 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the sociodemographic, parental and child factors that predict fruit and vegetable consumption in 7-year-old children.DesignDiet was assessed using three 1d unweighed food diaries. The child’s daily fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated by summing the weight of each type of fruit, fruit juice and vegetable consumed. The various others factors measured were assessed by a questionnaire at different time points.SettingThe Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).SubjectsA total of 7285 children aged 7 years residing in the south-west of England during 1999–2000.ResultsMedian daily fruit and vegetable consumption (201 g) was below the recommendations for this age group (320 g). Girls ate more fruit and vegetables per unit energy (30·3 g/MJ) than boys (26·7 g/MJ;P=< 0·001). The predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption were mostly similar. Fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with maternal consumption, maternal education status and parental rules about serving fruit/vegetables every day, food expenditure per person and whether the child was choosy about food. Vegetable consumption was also associated with the other characteristics of the child, such as whether the child enjoyed food and whether the child tried a variety of foods.ConclusionsChildren are not eating recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables, particularly boys. Consumption of fruit and vegetables appears to be influenced by parental rules about daily consumption and parental consumption and by the child’s choosiness. Parent’s actions could influence this. These findings may prove useful for those planning healthy eating campaigns for children.
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire modified for the elderly: aspects of validity and feasibility
Authors: Hurtig-Wennlöf Anita , Hagströmer Maria , Olsson Lovisa A 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo modify the self-administered, short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for adults to be used in the elderly (aged 65 years and above), and to validate this modified IPAQ for the elderly (IPAQ-E).DesignA direct validity study using accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA) as the criterion measure, and an indirect criterion validity study using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a biological marker of activity.SettingOrganisations for retired persons in Sweden.SubjectsThe direct validity study consisted of fifty-four participants and the indirect criterion validity study consisted of 359 participants. All participants were retired persons (66–91 years) living independently.ResultsAll self-reported activity domains (sitting, walking, moderate and vigorous) were positively correlated with the corresponding variable objectively assessed by an accelerometer (ρ= 0·277–0·471), but a systematic error was observed. The specificity of IPAQ-E to identify low-active participants was 85 %, and the sensitivity to identify the more active participants was 81 %. A main effect of IPAQ-E category (Low, Moderate or High) was observed for hs-CRP (P= 0·041).ConclusionsWe found this modified version of IPAQ, the IPAQ-E, to be well accepted by our sample of socially active elderly. It provided acceptable estimates of PA, well in line with other questionnaires, even though it had a systematic error. The IPAQ-E was able to identify an expected response of a biomarker (hs-CRP) to PA. We recommend the use of the IPAQ-E to classify participants aged 65 years and above into PA categories, to rank individuals or to identify individuals meeting certain PA criteria.
Salt intake of the Slovene population assessed by 24 h urinary sodium excretion
Authors: Ribič Cirila Hlastan , Zakotnik Jožica Maučec , Vertnik Lidija , Vegnuti Miljana , Cappuccio Francesco P 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate average sodium excretion in 24 h urine as a marker for salt intake in the Slovene population.DesignSalt intake was determined by measuring sodium excretion in 24 h urine collected from a representative sample of geographically diverse Slovene adults.SettingSlovenia.SubjectsA random sample of 600 adults aged 25–65 years was generated from census data. The effective sample yield was 143 people, 42·7 % men and 57·3 % women.ResultsUrinary sodium excretion was significantly higher in men (220·9 (sd86·0) mmol Na/d) than in women (169·8 (sd73·8) mmol Na/d);ttest = 14·5,P< 0·001. Average salt intake was 11·3 (sd4·9) g/d, higher in men than in women (13·0 (sd5·1)v. 9·9 (sd4·3) g/d, respectively). Average intakes of salt among regions were not significantly different. Salt intake increases slightly with increasing age, but there was no significant correlation between age and salt intake. Salt intake was increased with BMI (r= 0·384,P< 0·001).ConclusionsSalt intake in Slovene adults, especially in men, exceeds the WHO recommended population nutrient intake goal of 5 g by more than twofold. A national programme for reducing salt intake in Slovenia needs to be implemented through systematic efforts including public education and involving the health-care sector and the food industry.
Sociodemographic factors associated with physical activity in Mexican adults
Authors: Ortiz-Hernández Luis , Ramos-Ibáñez Norma 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the physical activity level among Mexican adults and to establish the sociodemographic variables that may be linked to active lifestyles.DesignData from a cross-sectional survey were analysed. Physical activity was assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The independent variables were sex, age, socio-economic status and size of town. Ordinal regression models were fitted to assess the association of physical activity levels with sociodemographic factors.SettingFieldwork was conducted from November 2002 through April 2003; the non-response rate was 3·1 %.SubjectsData from a national representative sample (n38 746) of Mexican adults aged >18 years old were analysed.ResultsAlmost 60 % of the population was classified into the high physical activity level. Women were less active than men in rural areas; in urban areas, the opposite trend was observed. In women, higher socio-economic status was associated with less physical activity, while among men there were no differences. People from rural and urban areas had a higher probability of engaging in physical activity than those from cities. In urban localities and cities, respondents of low socio-economic status had a lower probability of engaging in physical activity.ConclusionsUsing a validated instrument to measure physical activity, we found that the prevalence of active lifestyle among Mexican adults was high. The socio-economic and gender inequalities are different according to size of town (i.e. an effect modifier), which must be considered in the design of policies and programmes to promote physical activity.
Food insecurity is associated with food consumption patterns and anthropometric measures but not serum micronutrient levels in adults in rural Tanzania
Authors: Leyna Germana H , Mmbaga Elia J , Mnyika Kagoma S , Hussain Akhtar , Klepp Knut-Inge 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present paper is to assess the relationship between food insecurity and food consumption patterns, anthropometric measures and serum micronutrient levels in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.DesignA population-based cross-sectional study was carried out between March and May of 2005.SettingRural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.SubjectsAnalysis was restricted to 1014 adults aged 15–44 years with children and complete data.ResultsA large majority of the participants (91 %) reported some kind of food insecurity. Food insecurity was significantly associated with age, marital status and occupation. Participants reporting food insecurity were significantly less likely to frequently consume animal products, fruits and vegetables compared with participants categorized as food secure. Women categorized as experiencing individual food insecurity had a larger waist circumference than food-secure women (P = 0·026) while the mean BMI of women appeared to decline if they had a child who was food insecure (P = 0·038). There were no observed differences in serum micronutrient levels by food insecurity status.ConclusionsFood insecurity is highly prevalent and associated with food consumption patterns, waist circumference and BMI of women in rural Tanzania. Further studies should apply self-report measures in assessing food insecurity to larger and more diversified populations.