bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unfavourable plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite amateur boxers
Authors: Tepsic Jasna , Vucic Vesna , Arsic Aleksandra , Mazic Sanja , Djelic Marina , Glibetic Marija 
Published: December 2011

AbstractResearch on possible physiological changes as a consequence of a specific lifestyle and long‐term strenuous exercise in boxing has been sparse. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) profile of 16 elite amateur male boxers (22.4±3.3 years of age), and compared them with a control group composed of 19 sedentary (24.4±3.4) year‐old men. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monosaturated FA in plasma phospholipids were significantly higher (P <0.001) in boxers compared to the control group. On the other hand, all studied polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma PL with the exception of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n–3) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, 22:4, n–6) were significantly lower in boxers than in sedentary men. Total PUFA, n–6 PUFA and n–3 PUFA were also significantly lower in boxers (P <0.001), whereas the n–6/n–3 ratio was higher in boxers than in control group (P <0.01). Boxers had significantly higher proportion of all SFA in erythrocyte PL compared to the control group (P <0.05). In addition, the percentage of linoleic acid was lower in boxers' erythrocyte PL than in the control group (P <0.05). The results show two potentially unfavourable main features of the FA profile of boxers, that is, a higher n–6/n–3 ratio in plasma PL and a higher percentage of SFA in both plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids compared to controls. As SFA correlates directly with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and high n–6/n–3 ratio has been shown to stimulate carcinogenesis and modulate inflammation and autoimmunity, this profile could be detrimental to the health of boxers. The mechanism underlying these differences requires further investigation; however the results suggest benefits of nutritional intervention.
Complement takes its Toll: an inflammatory crosstalk between Toll‐like receptors and the receptors for the complement anaphylatoxin C5a
Authors: Holst B. , Raby A.‐C. , Hall J. E. , Labéta M. O. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe innate immune system is responsible for a rapid inflammatory response to pathogens that is essential for the clearance of infections. Although this response is vital, it is nonetheless potentially harmful, and dysregulated inflammation is a feature of many disease states. Thus, the mechanisms that regulate the release of soluble mediators of inflammation are an active focus of investigation. The activation by infections of two key components of the innate immune system, the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and complement, leading to the release of soluble mediators of inflammation, is critical to microbial killing and clearance. Both TLRs and complement are independently capable of triggering pro‐inflammatory responses, but their synergistic interaction resulting from a substantial crosstalk markedly amplifies those responses and may contribute to the pathophysiology of diseases such as sepsis.
Electrodermal lability as an indicator for subjective sleepiness during total sleep deprivation
Authors: MICHAEL LARS , PASSMANN SVEN , BECKER RUTH 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe present study addresses the suitability of electrodermal lability as an indicator of individual vulnerability to the effects of total sleep deprivation. During two complete circadian cycles, the effects of 48 h of total sleep deprivation on physiological measures (electrodermal activity and body temperature), subjective sleepiness (measured by visual analogue scale and tiredness symptom scale) and task performance (reaction time and errors in a go/no go task) were investigated. Analyses of variance with repeated measures revealed substantial decreases of the number of skin conductance responses, body temperature, and increases for subjective sleepiness, reaction time and error rates. For all changes, strong circadian oscillations could be observed as well. The electrodermal more labile subgroup reported higher subjective sleepiness compared with electrodermal more stable participants, but showed no differences in the time courses of body temperature and task performance. Therefore, electrodermal lability seems to be a specific indicator for the changes in subjective sleepiness due to total sleep deprivation and circadian oscillations, but not a suitable indicator for vulnerability to the effects of sleep deprivation per se.
Evaluating the influence of different aspects of habitat fragmentation on mating patterns and pollen dispersal in the bird‐pollinated Banksia sphaerocarpa var. caesia
Authors: LLORENS T. M. , BYRNE M. , YATES C. J. , NISTELBERGER H. M. , COATES D. J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHabitat fragmentation can significantly affect mating and pollen dispersal patterns in plant populations, although the differential effects of the various aspects of fragmentation are poorly understood. In this study, we used eight microsatellite loci to investigate the effect of fragmentation on the mating system and pollen dispersal within one large and eight small population remnants of Banksia sphaerocarpa var. caesia, a bird‐pollinated shrub in the southern agricultural region of Western Australia. The large population had a much larger neighbourhood size and lower selfing rate, maternal pollen pool differentiation and within‐plot mean pollen dispersal distance than the small populations. Outcrossing was consistently high and ranged from 85.7% ± 2.6 to 98.5% ± 0.9, and mating patterns suggested nearest‐neighbour pollination. Pollen immigration into small populations ranged from 2.8% ± 1.8 to 16.5% ± 3.2. Using the small populations, we tested for correlations between various fragmentation variables and mating system and pollen dispersal parameters. We found significant negative linear relationships between population isolation and outcrossing rate; population shape and neighbourhood size; and conspecific density and mean pollen dispersal distance. There were significant positive linear relationships between population shape and pollen pool differentiation and between population size and number of different fathers per seed crop. Our results suggest that birds may use a series of fragmented populations as a vegetation corridor while foraging across the landscape and that population connectivity is a critical determinant of pollinator visitation. Our results also suggest that the effect of a linear population shape on the mating system and pollen dispersal is routinely underestimated.
Protease activated receptor 4 status of mast cells in post infectious irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Han W. , Wang Z. , Lu X. , Guo C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Growing evidence suggests that protease activated receptors (PARs) are mediators of persistent neuropathic pain, but their possible function as mediators in patients with post infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI‐IBS) remains to be further explored. This article aims to investigate the expression of PAR2 and PAR4 in the colonic mucosa of patients with PI‐IBS, focusing on correlation with mast cell activation status.Methods  A total of 17 normal controls and 23 patients with PI‐IBS volunteered the study. The expression and localization of PAR2 and PAR4 were investigated by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, and the expression of PAR2 and PAR4 in the mast cells was examined using double‐immunofluorescence staining.Key Results  The immunohistochemical study revealed that epithelial and submucosal cells showed immunoreactivity for both PAR2 and PAR4. Protease activated receptor 4 mRNA expression and immunoreactivity were down‐regulated in PI‐IBS compared with the control group. Specifically, a reduced immunoreactivity for PAR4 was observed in mast cells of PI‐IBS compared with normal controls, whereas there are no significant differences shown in PAR2 between the PI‐IBS and the control group. It is also found that the PAR4 immunoreactivity decreases, while the activity of mast cells increases in PI‐IBS rather than normal controls.Conclusions & Inferences  This study outlines the down‐regulation of PAR4 in the mast cells of PI‐IBS. It could be of considerable interests in understanding the mechanisms involved in the persistent colonic hypersensitivity and their potential role as therapeutic targets for PI‐IBS.
Translating policy into practice: a case study in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease
Authors: Prior Lindsay , Wilson Joanne , Donnelly Michael , Murphy Andrew W. , Smith Susan M. , Byrne Mary , Byrne Molly , Cupples Margaret E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  This paper focuses on the relationships between health ‘policy’ as it is embodied in official documentation, and health ‘practice’ as reported and reflected on in the talk of policy‐makers, health professionals and patients. The specific context for the study involves a comparison of policies relating to the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the two jurisdictions of Ireland – involving as they do a predominantly state funded (National Health Service) system in the north and a mixed health‐care economy in the south. The key question is to determine how the detail of health policy as contained in policy documents connects to and gets translated into practice and action.Methods  The data sources for the study include relevant health‐care policy documents (N = 5) and progress reports (N = 6) in the two Irish jurisdictions, and semi‐structured interviews with a range of policy‐makers (N = 28), practice nurses (14), general practitioners (12) and patients (13) to explore their awareness of the documents’ contents and how they saw the impact of ‘policy’ on primary care practice.Results  The findings suggest that although strategic policy documents can be useful for highlighting and channelling attention to health issues that require concerted action, they have little impact on what either professionals or lay people do.Conclusion  To influence the latter and to encourage a systematic approach to the delivery of health care it seems likely that contractual arrangements – specifying tasks to be undertaken and methods for monitoring and reporting on activity – are required.
Systematic review of the efficacy and safety of fibrinogen concentrate substitution in adults
Authors: WARMUTH M. , MAD P. , WILD C. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundA sufficient plasma level of fibrinogen is critical for the formation of a fibrin clot and haemostasis in both the perioperative setting and in massive haemorrhage. We assessed the efficacy and safety of fibrinogen concentrate substitution in the perioperative setting and in massive haemorrhage.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search for studies conducted on humans and published in either English or German in several databases from 1985 to 2010. In addition, we screened several web sites for assessments on fibrinogen concentrate substitution and conducted a hand search using Scopus. In terms of efficacy, we included all prospective, controlled studies. Concerning safety, we included all prospective studies.ResultsWe identified two randomised controlled trials and two non‐randomised controlled studies, which included a total of 74 patients. The studies indicate that the administration of fibrinogen concentrate is associated with improved clot firmness and reduction in the substitution of other blood products such as red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrates, as well as decreased post‐operative bleeding and drainage volume. In addition, fibrinogen concentrate administration has been reported to be safe with regard to thrombosis and thromboembolic complications, as well as mortality. However, the studies identified were of poor quality.ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of the available controlled trials suggest that the administration of fibrinogen concentrate was effective and safe. However, because all studies identified were of inadequate quality, these findings need to be confirmed by randomised controlled trials of sufficient size and long‐term follow‐up.
Clinical sedation and bispectral index in burn children receiving gamma‐hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Rousseau Anne‐Françoise , Ledoux Didier , Sabourdin Nada , Richard Patrick , Damas Pierre , Constant Isabelle 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground:  Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) may be an interesting hypnotic agent in burn patients because of its good respiratory or hemodynamic tolerance. However, its clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) sedative effects are not yet described in children. The aim of this prospective and randomized study was to assess clinical and EEG effects of increasing intravenous (IV) doses of GHB in burn children requiring sedation for burn wound cares.Methods:  Thirty six children hospitalized in a burn care unit were included and randomly assigned into three groups (G) according to the single IV dose of GHB they received before burn wound care: 10 mg·kg−1 in G10, 25 mg·kg−1 in G25, or 50 mg·kg−1 in G50. All patients received oral premedication (morphine and hydroxyzine) 30 min before GHB injection. Respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and bispectral index (BIS) were continuously monitored. Depth of sedation was clinically assessed using Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (OAAS) Score, every 2 min until recovery (i.e., OAAS = 4).Results:  Median age was 17.5 [12–34] months. Whatever the dose, BIS decreased after IV GHB. Nadir value of BIS was significantly lower in G25 and G50 than in G10, as was for OAAS score. Nadir values were reached after same delays in G25 and G50. Duration of sedation was dose‐dependant.Conclusion:  Bispectral index decreased after GHB injection and was correlated with OAAS score. Deep sedation can be safely achieved with IV doses of 25 or 50 mg·kg−1, but the last dose was associated with prolonged duration of clinical sedation.
HdfR is a regulator in Photorhabdus luminescens that modulates metabolism and symbiosis with the nematode Heterorhabditis
Authors: Easom Catherine A. , Clarke David J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe bacterium, Photorhabdus luminescens, is an insect pathogen that also maintains a mutualistic interaction with nematodes from the family Heterorhabditis. Photorhabdus luminescens is carried in the gut of the infective juvenile (IJ), a nematode stage that infects soft‐cuticled insect larvae in the soil. Photorhabdus luminescens is released into the insect blood to convert the insect into a biomass that is able to support nematode growth and development. Nematode reproduction continues for 2–3 generations before the nematodes enter an alternative developmental pathway leading to a new generation of IJs that are efficiently colonized by P. luminescens in a process called transmission. Transmission begins with the adherence of P. luminescens to the rectal gland cells (RGC) located in the gut of the hermaphrodite. The bacteria enter, and replicate within, the RGC resulting in vacuolization, and ultimately lysis, of the RGC. In this way P. luminescens are released throughout the body cavity of the hermaphrodite to encounter, and colonize, the developing IJs. In this study we show that the LysR‐type regulator, HdfR, is required for normal transmission in P. luminescens TTO1. Transcriptome analysis revealed that HdfR regulates the expression of 124 genes, including genes involved in arginine metabolism, hydroxyphenylacetate catabolism and pigment production. Using fluorescence microscopy we show that the ΔhdfR mutant is able to attach to, and grow within, the hermaphrodite as well as wild‐type bacteria but subsequent steps in transmission are delayed. Therefore, HdfR plays an important role in coordinating the interaction between P. luminescens and its nematode partner during transmission.
Rectal washout and local recurrence in rectal resection for cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rondelli F. , Trastulli S. , Cirocchi R. , Avenia N. , Mariani E. , Sciannameo F. , Noya G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  The effectiveness of rectal washout was compared with no washout for the prevention of local recurrence after anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer.Method  The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, OVID Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM Reviews, CINAHL and EMBASE.Results  Five nonrandomized studies including a total of 5012 patients were identified. Meta‐analysis suggested that rectal washout significantly reduced the local recurrence rate (P < 0.0001; OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.43–0.74). It was also significantly lower after washout in patients having radical resection only (P = 0.0004; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.39–0.76), patients treated by a curative resection (P < 0.0001; OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.42–0.72) and those undergoing preoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.04; OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39–0.98).Conclusion  Taking into account the limitations of the design of the included studies the meta‐analysis showed that rectal washout is associated with reduced local recurrence and therefore should be routine during anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Transitions in care: support group for young adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Markowitz J. T. , Laffel L. M. B. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 522–525 (2012)AbstractAims  Young adulthood is a challenging period for patients with Type 1 diabetes as developmental changes complicate Type 1 diabetes management and gaps in care may arise as patients transition from paediatric to adult providers. This period has been associated with worsening diabetes outcomes. One approach to aid young adults during this transition period could entail professionally led support groups to enhance self‐motivation and facilitate peer‐to‐peer interactions. We implemented and evaluated a support group for young adults with Type 1 diabetes as a pilot project.Methods  Young adults with Type 1 diabetes (18–30 years) participated in monthly, professionally led support groups for 5 months. Questionnaires were completed pre‐ and post‐group and chart review data were collected regarding glycaemic control and visit frequency in the year before and after group participation.Results  Participation in the group was associated with improvement in HbA1c and decreased self‐reported diabetes burden, along with a trend for an increase in diabetes‐related self‐care behaviours. Frequency of visits did not vary from pre‐ to post‐group. Discussion topics identified by participants included managing diabetes in day‐to‐day life, experiences and interactions with others who do not have diabetes and emotions related to diabetes. Participants identified that they sought a diabetes care team that offers knowledge, support and a multidisciplinary team.Conclusions  Professionally led support groups may have utility for increasing social support and optimizing diabetes outcomes in young adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Global variability in diabetes mellitus and its association with body weight and primary healthcare support in 49 low‐ and middle‐income developing countries
Authors: Liu L. , Yin X. , Morrissey S. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 995–1002 (2012)AbstractAims  In the absence of any previous global comparison, we examined the variability in prevalence of diabetes mellitus across 49 developing countries, and the associations of diabetes with body weight and primary healthcare support using data from the World Health Survey.Methods  Diabetes mellitus was defined by individuals’ self‐report of a physician diagnosis of diabetes. BMI is the weight (kg)/the square of the height (m). Healthcare support was assessed using clinical treatment status and whether patients with diabetes followed prescribed behaviour changes to control diabetes. Associations of diabetes with BMI and diabetes treatment status were analysed cross‐sectionally.Results  A total of 215 898 participants were included in the analysis. Age‐adjusted prevalence of diabetes ranged from 0.27% (Mali) to 15.54% (Mauritius). Participants who were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were significantly associated with odds of having diabetes as compared with those who were of normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 k/m2), with corresponding values of multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.15 (1.07–1.24), 1.56 (1.44–1.68) and 2.35 (2.17–2.61), respectively. The overall untreated rate of those with diabetes mellitus was 9.6% in the total sample. Patients with underweight had the highest diabetes untreated rate, followed by those with normal weight, overweight and obesity.Conclusion  There are significant variations in prevalence of diabetes and primary healthcare support for diabetes across low‐ and middle‐income countries. Aggressively preventing abnormal body weight and improving healthcare support may play a pivotal role in ameliorating the unfavourable epidemic of diabetes in developing countries.
Effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin on glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes—the CORALL study
Authors: Simsek S. , Schalkwijk C. G. , Wolffenbuttel B. H. R. 
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 628–631 (2012)AbstractAims  To examine whether high‐dose statin therapy in Dutch European patients with Type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia influenced variables of glycaemic control.Methods  The CORALL study, which was a 24‐week, open‐label, randomized, parallel‐group, phase IIIb, multi‐centre study, was designed to compare the cholesterol‐lowering effects of rosuvastatin compared with atorvastatin in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose levels and HbA1c levels were collected at baseline and at 6 and 18 weeks.Results  Treatment with the highest dose of statins, i.e. atorvastatin 80 mg and rosuvastatin 40 mg at 18 weeks from baseline, was associated with increase in HbA1c levels; baseline 57 ± 11 mmol/l (7.4 ± 1.0%) to 61 ± 14 mmol/mol (7.7 ± 1.3%) (range 5.0–11.9) for atorvastatin (P = 0.003) and from baseline 60 ± 11 mmol/mol (7.6 ± 1.0%) to 63 ± 13 mmol/mol (7.9 ± 1.2%) (range 5.7–12.3) for rosuvastatin (P < 0.001). Mean fasting plasma glucose increased from baseline 8.7 ± 2.4 mmol/l to 9.5 ± 3.0 mmol/l upon treatment with atorvastatin 20 mg (P = 0.002) and 9.0 ± 3.0 mmol/l after treatment with 80 mg (not significant compared with baseline). The mean fasting plasma glucose did not change after treatment with rosuvastatin (9.1 ± 2.7 mmol/l at baseline, 8.9 ± 2.7 mmol/l with 10 mg, 9.4 ± 2.9 mmol/l with 40 mg).Conclusions  Glycaemic control deteriorated in patients with diabetes following high‐dose statin therapy. Future controlled studies are needed to verify these findings and, if confirmed, determine whether such changes represent a true decline in glycaemic control. Presently, it appears that, based on the overwhelming prospective trial data available, the preventive effect of statin therapy supersedes that of the slight increase in HbA1c.