bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper Limb Disability in Hemodialysis Patients: Evaluation of Contributing Factors Aside From Amyloidosis
Authors: Capitanini Alessandro , Galligani Claudio , Lange Sara , Cupisti Adamasco 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis cross‐sectional case‐control study evaluated upper limb muscle strength and shoulder mobility in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous fistula or graft. Twenty‐five adult patients on thrice‐a‐week HD treatment for 6 months at least, were selected for the study. In all the patients and control subjects, handgrip tests and tests of range of motion in the upper extremities were evaluated by physiotherapy tests. Patients on HD showed lower muscle strength than age and sex matched subjects without severe chronic kidney disease (right: 30.1 ± 11.6 vs 40.5 ± 15.1 kg, P < 0.001; left 29.1 ± 12.9 vs 40.7 ± 11.1 kg, P < 0.01), and a reduced range of shoulder mobility. The presence of fistula or graft was associated with a greater limitation of both active (74.0 ± 18.3 vs 85.2 ± 8.8 °, P < 0.01) and passive (82.2 ± 9.9 vs 87.2 ± 6.6 °, P < 0.05) extra‐rotation than the contralateral limb, with a higher prevalence of impingement (72 vs 36%, P < 0.05). Muscle strength was related to albumin and inversely to age; whereas β2‐microglobulin and CRP serum levels were associated with impairment of passive and active extra‐rotation of the shoulder that was free from the fistula or graft. In summary, patients on HD have a reduced range of shoulder mobility and marked reduction of muscle strength. The abnormalities are more prevalent in upper limbs with fistula or grafts. The arteriovenous fistula or graft may worsen the disability of the patient's upper limbs presumably due to the obligate position required during the HD sessions. Proper pre‐ and post‐dialysis exercise programs should be implemented to maintain mobility and strength of the upper limbs.
The Effects of Acculturation on Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics Among Hispanic Fourth‐Grade Children in Texas Public Schools, 2004‐2005
Authors: Lind Catherine , Mirchandani Gita G. , Castrucci Brian C. , Chávez Noel , Handler Arden , Hoelscher Deanna M. 
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a national epidemic that disproportionately affects Hispanic children. Evidence suggests that increased acculturation among this population adversely affects diet and other healthy lifestyle characteristics, leading to higher rates of overweight and obesity. Healthy lifestyle characteristics must be understood in order to prevent or decrease overweight and obesity among Hispanic children.METHODS: Using the School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) study, we examined cross‐sectional data on healthy lifestyle characteristics collected in Texas public schools from Hispanic fourth‐grade children in 2004–2005. We calculated adjusted odds ratios and associated confidence intervals using multivariate logistic regression analyses to analyze the association between acculturation and healthy lifestyle characteristics among Spanish‐speaking Hispanic children compared to English‐speaking Hispanic children.RESULTS: Spanish‐speaking Hispanic boys consumed more milk and fruit than English‐speaking Hispanic boys (milk: adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.7, p = .02; fruit: AOR: 2.5, p = .0001). The likelihood that Spanish‐speaking Hispanic boys and girls did not know that there is a relationship between overweight and health problems were 2 times greater (boys: AOR: 1.7, p = .03; girls: AOR: 2.2, p = .006) than their English‐speaking Hispanic counterparts. Likelihood of weight loss attempts was greater among Spanish‐speaking Hispanic boys than English‐speaking Hispanic boys (AOR: 1.9, p = .04).CONCLUSIONS: Results are mixed. Lower levels of acculturation appear to be associated with both positive and negative healthy lifestyle characteristics, depending on sex. These findings have important implications for school health policies and programs and should be distributed to school administrators.
A Conceptual Model for Training After‐School Program Staffers to Promote Physical Activity and Nutrition
Authors: Weaver Robert Glenn , Beets Michael W. , Webster Collin , Beighle Aaron , Huberty Jennifer 
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: After‐school programs (ASPs, 3 pm to 6 pm) have been called upon to increase the amount of daily physical activity children accumulate and improve the nutritional quality of the snacks served. To this end, state and national physical activity and nutrition (PAaN) policies have been proposed. Frontline staff who directly interact with children on a daily basis are charged with the responsibility to meet policy goals. Without appropriate skills, staffers' ability to achieve such goals is limited. The gap between policies and improvements in PAaN must be bridged through professional development training. This article describes the development of an ASP staff professional development training program.METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify relevant theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and recommended best practices relating to promoting PAaN of children.RESULTS: A comprehensive professional development framework was developed that incorporated the key elements identified from the review. These elements were distilled into 5 primary categories and conceptually referred to as the 5 Ms: mission—clearly defined policy/standards for PAaN; motivate—providing choices, developmentally appropriate activities, feedback, and encouragement; manage—structuring and managing the environment for safety, routines, and discipline; monitor—ongoing evaluation of PAaN; and maximize—incorporating all former Ms.CONCLUSIONS: The application of this training framework should lead to improved implementation and eventual achievement of policy goals for PAaN in ASPs. These competencies need to be developed in all ASPs if widespread improvements in PAaN within the ASP setting are to be realized.
Intentional marginal excision of canine limb soft tissue sarcomas followed by radiotherapy
Authors: Demetriou J. L. , Brearley M. J. , Constantino‐Casas F. , Addington C. , Dobson J. 
Published: March 2012

Objectives:To evaluate the outcome in a group of dogs treated with postoperative radiotherapy following intentional marginal excision of soft tissue sarcomas from their limbs and to assess parameters for prognostic significance.Method:Patients that had had intentional marginal excision of limb soft tissue sarcomas followed by radiotherapy were selected. A coarse fractionated protocol of four once weekly 8 to 9 Gy by 4 MV x‐rays was used. The time to local recurrence was determined. Tumour grade, size, site, number of surgeries, surgeon and time from last surgery to radiotherapy were evaluated as potential prognostic indicators.Results:Fifty‐six cases were included. Minor surgical complications occurred in four patients (7%). Tumour recurred locally in 10 dogs (18%). Fourteen dogs died from tumour‐related causes (25%). From Cox proportional hazard analysis time from surgery to radiotherapy was the only predictor of tumour recurrence (P=0·039); hazard ratio 8·63. Delaying radiotherapy beyond 4 weeks was associated with improved outcomes. Three dogs developed serious but non‐life‐threatening local complications; wound dehiscence, self‐trauma and osteonecrosis of underlying bone.ClinicalSignificance:Intentional marginal excision followed by hypofractionated radiotherapy is a viable option for canine limb soft tissue sarcomas, providing good long‐term clinical outcomes and low morbidity.
Social Justice and the Creative City: Class, Gender and Racial Inequalities
Authors: Leslie Deborah , Catungal John Paul 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRichard Florida’s creative class theory has recently been adopted by many municipal governments as a key urban economic development policy. This trend, as others have noted, has significant implications for social justice in the creative city, particularly by continuing and even deepening class inequality. This paper shares in the spirit of these class‐based critiques, but goes beyond them to argue that gender and racial equality is also at stake in the creative city. We point in particular to three particular geographies of the creative city – (1) the conceptual spaces of the creative class idea, (2) the workplaces of the cultural and creative industries and (3) the amenity and public landscapes of the creative city – as sites where class, gender and racial inequalities are maintained and exacerbated as a result of creativity‐led urban economic development policies.
Effect of Cocoa Butter Structure on Oil Migration
Authors: Maleky Fatemeh , McCarthy Kathryn L. , McCarthy Michael J. , Marangoni Alejandro G. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Oil migration from a high oil content filling into adjacent chocolate causes changes in product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the oil migration from a cream filling system into cocoa butter, which provided a model for the behavior of chocolate‐enrobed confectionery products with a soft, creamy center. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor spatial and temporal changes of liquid lipid content. A multislice spin echo pulse sequence was used to acquire images with a 7.8 ms echo time and a 200 ms repetition time using a 1.03 T Aspect Imaging MRI spectrometer. Samples were prepared as a 2‐layer model system of cocoa butter and model cream filling. Three methods were used to prepare the cocoa butter: static, seeded, and sheared. Samples were stored at 25 °C for a time frame of 56 d. The rate of oil migration was quantified by a kinetic expression based on the linear dependence of oil uptake by cocoa butter and the square root of the time. Samples showed distinctly different rates of oil migration, as evidenced by quantitative differences in the kinetic rate constant.Practical Application:  This work will be helpful to elucidate the influence of crystallization process and structural properties such as crystal nanostructure and crystal habit on the migration of oil through a crystalline fat matrix.
Underspecification of Cognitive Status in Reference Production: Some Empirical Predictions
Authors: Gundel Jeanette K. , Hedberg Nancy , Zacharski Ron 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWithin the Givenness Hierarchy framework of Gundel, Hedberg, and Zacharski (1993), lexical items included in referring forms are assumed to conventionally encode two kinds of information: conceptual information about the speaker’s intended referent and procedural information about the assumed cognitive status of that referent in the mind of the addressee, the latter encoded by various determiners and pronouns. This article focuses on effects of underspecification of cognitive status, establishing that, although salience and accessibility play an important role in reference processing, the Givenness Hierarchy itself is not a hierarchy of degrees of salience/accessibility, contrary to what has often been assumed. We thus show that the framework is able to account for a number of experimental results in the literature without making additional assumptions about form‐specific constraints associated with different referring forms.
Using high throughput sequencing to explore the biodiversity in oral bacterial communities
Authors: Diaz P.I. , Dupuy A.K. , Abusleme L. , Reese B. , Obergfell C. , Choquette L. , Dongari‐Bagtzoglou A. , Peterson D.E. , Terzi E. , Strausbaugh L.D. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryHigh throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons is a cost‐effective method for characterization of oral bacterial communities. However, before undertaking large‐scale studies, it is necessary to understand the technique‐associated limitations and intrinsic variability of the oral ecosystem. In this work we evaluated bias in species representation using an in vitro‐assembled mock community of oral bacteria. We then characterized the bacterial communities in saliva and buccal mucosa of five healthy subjects to investigate the power of high throughput sequencing in revealing their diversity and biogeography patterns. Mock community analysis showed primer and DNA isolation biases and an overestimation of diversity that was reduced after eliminating singleton operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Sequencing of salivary and mucosal communities found a total of 455 OTUs (0.3% dissimilarity) with only 78 of these present in all subjects. We demonstrate that this variability was partly the result of incomplete richness coverage even at great sequencing depths, and so comparing communities by their structure was more effective than comparisons based solely on membership. With respect to oral biogeography, we found inter‐subject variability in community structure was lower than site differences between salivary and mucosal communities within subjects. These differences were evident at very low sequencing depths and were mostly caused by the abundance of Streptococcus mitis and Gemella haemolysans in mucosa. In summary, we present an experimental and data analysis framework that will facilitate design and interpretation of pyrosequencing‐based studies. Despite challenges associated with this technique, we demonstrate its power for evaluation of oral diversity and biogeography patterns.
Analysis of Structure and Composition of Bacterial Core Communities in Mature Drinking Water Biofilms and Bulk Water of a Citywide Network in Germany
Authors: Henne Karsten , Kahlisch Leila , Brettar Ingrid , Höfle Manfred G. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe bacterial core communities of bulk water and corresponding biofilms of a more than 20-year-old drinking water network were compared using 16S rRNA single-strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) fingerprints based on extracted DNA and RNA. The structure and composition of the bacterial core community in the bulk water was highly similar (>70%) across the city of Braunschweig, Germany, whereas all biofilm samples contained a unique community with no overlapping phylotypes from bulk water. Biofilm samples consisted mainly ofAlphaproteobacteria(26% of all phylotypes),Gammaproteobacteria(11%), candidate division TM6 (11%),Chlamydiales(9%), andBetaproteobacteria(9%). The bulk water community consisted primarily ofBacteroidetes(25%),Betaproteobacteria(20%),Actinobacteria(16%), andAlphaproteobacteria(11%). All biofilm communities showed higher relative abundances of single phylotypes and a reduced richness compared to bulk water. Only biofilm communities sampled at nearby sampling points showed similar communities irrespective of support materials. In all of our bulk water studies, the community composition determined from 16S rRNA was completely different from the 16S rRNA gene-based community composition, whereas in biofilms both molecular fractions resulted in community compositions that were similar to each other. We hypothesize that a higher fraction of active bacterial phylotypes and a better protection from oxidative stress in drinking water biofilms are responsible for this higher similarity.
Importance of Micromonospora spp. as Colonizers of Cellulose in Freshwater Lakes as Demonstrated by Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase PCR of 16S rRNA
Authors: de Menezes Alexandre B. , McDonald James E. , Allison Heather E. , McCarthy Alan J. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

The relative abundance of micromonosporas in the bacterial communities inhabiting cellulose baits, water columns, and sediments of two freshwater lakes was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of reverse-transcribed 16S rRNA.
Micromonospora
spp. were shown to be significant members of the active bacterial population colonizing cellulosic substrates in the lake sediment, and their increased prevalence with greater depth was confirmed by enumeration of CFU.
Evidence of Host-Associated Populations of Cryptosporidium parvum in Italy
Authors: Drumo Rosanna , Widmer Giovanni , Morrison Liam J. , Tait Andy , Grelloni Vincenzo , D'Avino Nicoletta , Pozio Edoardo , Cacciò Simone M. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic variation among isolates of
Cryptosporidium parvum
, an Apicomplexan parasite that causes gastroenteritis in both humans and animals worldwide. The parasite's population structure is influenced by the intensity of transmission, the host-parasite interaction, and husbandry practices. As a result,
C. parvum
populations can be panmictic, clonal, or even epidemic on both a local scale and a larger geographical scale. To extend the study of
C. parvum
populations to an unexplored region, 173 isolates of
C. parvum
collected in Italy from humans and livestock (calf, sheep, and goat) over a 10-year period were genotyped using a multilocus scheme based on 7 mini- and microsatellite loci. In agreement with other studies, extensive polymorphism was observed, with 102 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs) identified among 173 isolates. The presence of linkage disequilibrium, the confinement of MLGs to individual farms, and the relationship of many MLGs inferred using network analysis (eBURST) suggest a predominantly clonal population structure, but there is also evidence that part of the diversity can be explained by genetic exchange. MLGs from goats were found to differ from bovine and sheep MLGs, supporting the existence of
C. parvum
subpopulations. Finally, MLGs from isolates collected between 1997 and 1999 were also identified as a distinct subgroup in principal-component analysis and eBURST analysis, suggesting a continuous introduction of novel genotypes in the parasite population.
Scaling Down the Analysis of Environmental Processes: Monitoring Enzyme Activity in Natural Substrates on a Millimeter Resolution Scale
Authors: Baldrian Petr , Větrovský Tomáš 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Natural environments often show high levels of spatial heterogeneity. With a methodology based on the immobilization of fluorescent substrates, the distribution of extracellular enzymes can be studied at a 2.3-mm resolution with a detection limit of 1.8 nmol · h
−1
· cm
−2
. The method is applicable to environmental samples such as wood, litter, soil, or fungal colonies.
TprC/D (Tp0117/131), a Trimeric, Pore-Forming Rare Outer Membrane Protein of Treponema pallidum, Has a Bipartite Domain Structure
Authors: Anand Arvind , Luthra Amit , Dunham-Ems Star , Caimano Melissa J. , Karanian Carson , LeDoyt Morgan , Cruz Adriana R. , Salazar Juan C. , Radolf Justin D. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIdentification ofTreponema pallidumrare outer membrane proteins (OMPs) has been a longstanding objective of syphilis researchers. We recently developed a consensus computational framework that employs a battery of cellular localization and topological prediction tools to generate ranked clusters of candidate rare OMPs (D. L. Cox et al., Infect. Immun. 78:5178–5194, 2010). TP0117/TP0131 (TprC/D), a member of theT. pallidumrepeat (Tpr) family, was a highly ranked candidate. Circular dichroism, heat modifiability by SDS-PAGE, Triton X-114 phase partitioning, and liposome incorporation confirmed that full-length, recombinant TprC (TprCFl) forms a β-barrel capable of integrating into lipid bilayers. Moreover, TprCFlincreased efflux of terbium-dipicolinic acid complex from large unilamellar vesicles and migrated as a trimer by blue-native PAGE. We found that inT. pallidum, TprC is heat modifiable, trimeric, expressed in low abundance, and, based on proteinase K accessibility and opsonophagocytosis assays, surface exposed. From these collective data, we conclude that TprC is a bona fide rare OMP as well as a functional ortholog ofEscherichia coliOmpF. We also discovered that TprC has a bipartite architecture consisting of a soluble N-terminal portion (TprCN), presumably periplasmic and bound directly or indirectly to peptidoglycan, and a C-terminal β-barrel (TprCC). Syphilitic rabbits generate antibodies exclusively against TprCC, while secondary syphilis patients fail to mount a detectable antibody response against either domain. The syphilis spirochete appears to have resolved a fundamental dilemma arising from its extracellular lifestyle, namely, how to enhance OM permeability without increasing its vulnerability to the antibody-mediated defenses of its natural human host.
Gender difference in the prognostic value of estimated glomerular filtration rate at admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Damman Peter , Kikkert Wouter J , Woudstra Pier , Kuijt Wichert J , Grundeken Maik J D , Harskamp Ralf E , Baan Jan , Vis Marije M , Henriques Jose P S , Piek Jan J , van Straalen Jan P , Fischer Johan C , Tijssen Jan G P , de Winter Robbert J 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate gender differences in the prognostic value of renal function for mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).DesignProspective single-center cohort.SettingSingle tertiary referral center in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Patients consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI (1412 men and 558 women).Main outcome measureThe authors calculated adjusted HRs for 3-year all-cause mortality according to the presence of a reduced renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min) using Cox proportional hazards models. In order to investigate a possible gender difference in the prognostic value of a reduced renal function, a comparison was made between the HRs of male and female patients and an interaction term was added to the model and tested for significance. Adjustments were made for age, body mass index, history of diabetes or hypertension, systolic blood pressure and heart rate, anterior myocardial infarction and time to treatment.ResultsIn male patients, a reduced renal function was associated with increased 3-year mortality (adjusted HR 6.31, 95% CI 3.74 to 10.63, p<0.001). A reduced renal function was associated with a twofold increase in the mortality hazard in female patients (adjusted HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.25 to 3.94, p=0.006).ConclusionsIn this large single-centre registry of STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, renal dysfunction as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate had prognostic significance for mortality in both male and female patients.
Protocol: inspiratory muscle training for promoting recovery and outcomes in ventilated patients (IMPROVe): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bissett Bernie M , Leditschke I Anne , Paratz Jennifer D , Boots Robert J 
Published: March 2012

IntroductionInspiratory muscle weakness is a known consequence of mechanical ventilation and a potential contributor to difficulty in weaning from ventilatory support. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) reduces the weaning period and increases the likelihood of successful weaning in some patients. However, it is not known how this training affects the residual inspiratory muscle fatigability following successful weaning nor patients' quality of life or functional outcomes.Methods and analysisThis dual centre study includes two concurrent randomised controlled trials of IMT in adult patients who are either currently ventilator-dependent (>7 days) (n=70) or have been recently weaned from mechanical ventilation (>7 days) in the past week (n=70). Subjects will be stable, alert and able to actively participate and provide consent. There will be concealed allocation to either treatment (IMT) or usual physiotherapy (including deep breathing exercises without a resistance device). Primary outcomes are inspiratory muscle fatigue resistance and maximum inspiratory pressures. Secondary outcomes are quality of life (Short Form-36v2, EQ-5D), functional status (Acute Care Index of Function), rate of perceived exertion (Borg Scale), intensive care length of stay (days), post intensive care length of stay (days), rate of reintubation (%) and duration of ventilation (days).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from relevant institutions, and results will be published with a view to influencing physiotherapy practice in the management of long-term ventilator-dependent patients to accelerate weaning and optimise rehabilitation outcomes.Trial registration numberACTRN12610001089022.