bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The applicability of WHODAS 2.0 in adolescents in China
Authors: Hu Liping , Zang Yu‐Li , Li Na 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study was designed to examine the applicability of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in adolescents in China for internal consistency and factorial validity.Background.  The conceptualisation of impairments, activity limitation and participation restriction as disability underpins WHODAS 2.0. Available evidence is mainly about the use of WHODAS 2.0 in adults with little attention to adolescents.Design.  Survey design.Methods.  A total 314 adolescent inpatients were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy and self‐measured with a range of scales related to puberty development, family function, 36‐item WHODAS 2.0, extended version of Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (Ext‐SDQ). The same amount of junior high school student data was randomly selected to facilitate the model invariance examination through confirmatory factor analysis with the assistance of amos 19 and spss 19.Results.  Adolescents (mean, 14·07; SD, 2·866) varied greatly in demography, health conditions, body mass index, puberty development, family function, disability and difficulties as well as prosocial status. After the removal of the item on sexual activity, the internal consistency for the 35‐item WHODAS is satisfactory, overall and dimensional. The six‐factor WHODAS model was found to be a good model fit, moderately correlated with the overall difficulty measured by the 20‐item four‐factor SDQ, with the ability to differentiate the group of adolescent inpatients and junior high school students.Conclusion.  The 35‐item WHODAS is useful with adolescents with satisfactory internal reliability and factorial validity.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study supports the use of 35‐item WHODAS in adolescents with or without health conditions in school and hospital settings, which paves the way for a better understanding about and health service delivery to adolescents during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Internal anal sphincter relaxation associated with bisacodyl‐induced colonic high amplitude propagating contractions in children with constipation: a colo‐anal reflex?
Authors: Rodriguez L. , Siddiqui A. , Nurko S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Describe the association of internal anal sphincter (IAS) relaxation with colonic high‐ amplitude peristaltic contractions (HAPCs).Methods  Retrospective review of colon manometry tracings of children with constipation to determine the IAS relaxation characteristics associated with HAPC’s (HAPC‐IASR) events and compare them to the those seen during the performance of the anorectal manometry (ARMRAIR) events.Key Results  A total of 70 HAPC‐ IASRs were observed in 15 patients, 65 after bisacodyl, two during fasting and three after a meal. In 64% of events, the IAS relaxation started when the HAPC reached left colon and in 36% as proximal as the hepatic flexure. High‐ amplitude peristaltic contraction propagation seems to be important in HAPC‐IASR characteristics; those propagating distal to sigmoid colon demonstrated larger and longer IAS relaxation as well as lower residual pressure, but equivalent resting pressure compared with HAPC’s ending proximal to sigmoid colon. Although IAS resting pressure was comparable for ARM‐RAIRs and HAPC‐IASRs, the duration and magnitude of anal relaxation was higher, and the anal residual pressure was lower in HAPC‐IASRs.Conclusions & Inferences  We demonstrated that IAS relaxation in constipated children is associated with HAPCs migrating in the proximal and distal colon; in most cases, starting when peristalsis is migrating through left colon and in an important proportion while migrating proximally. We also demonstrated that HAPC‐IASRs are different from ARM‐RAIRs suggesting a neurally mediated reflex. Finally, the IAS relaxation characteristics are highly dependent on the degree of propagation of HAPCs, which could have important implications in the understanding of defecation disorders.
The effect of aspirin and smoking on urinary excretion profiles of lactulose and mannitol in young women: toward a dynamic, aspirin augmented, test of gut mucosal permeability
Authors: Sequeira I. R. , Lentle R. G. , Kruger M. C. , Hurst R. D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  We explored the temporal dynamics of the lactulose mannitol test and the influence of a single dose of aspirin.Methods  Twenty healthy female volunteers each received 600 mg aspirin or placebo in random sequence and were subsequently dosed with 10 g lactulose and 5 g mannitol, their urine collected every half hour for 6 h.Key Results  The lactulose:mannitol ratios (LMR) of urine samples collected over the entire 6‐h period were significantly higher than those collected in the first 3 h. Greater quantities of mannitol were excreted over the first than the subsequent 3 h. A similar pattern of temporal variation in mannitol excretion was found in smokers and non‐smokers and was maintained following administration of a single 600 mg dose of aspirin. The rates at which lactulose was excreted were relatively constant over the entire 6 h period of collection, but mean levels were increased over the entire 6 h following the administration of aspirin. The effect of aspirin did not differ significantly between smokers and non‐smokers.Conclusions & Inferences  While the LMR test is sufficiently sensitive to reproducibly detect the increase in intestinal permeability resulting from a single 600 mg oral dose of aspirin, the temporal patterns of excretion of mannitol and lactulose differ both in the presence and absence of aspirin. Hence, variation in sampling period and in method of dosage are likely to influence the result and it is preferable to examine the patterns of absorption of component sugars separately with due regard to the method of dosage.
Review of Self‐reported Physical Activity Assessments for Pregnancy: Summary of the Evidence for Validity and Reliability
Authors: Evenson Kelly R. , Chasan‐Taber Lisa , Symons Downs Danielle , Pearce Emily E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Epidemiological studies and surveillance systems of pregnant women often rely on collection of physical activity through self‐report. This systematic review identified and summarised self‐reported physical activity assessments with evidence for validity and reliability among pregnant women.Methods:  Peer‐reviewed articles published through 2011 were included if they assessed validity and/or reliability of an interviewer‐ or self‐administered physical activity questionnaire or diary among pregnant women.Results:  We identified 15 studies, including 12 studies that assessed questionnaires and 4 studies that assessed diaries, conducted in Australia, Finland, Norway, the UK, the US and Vietnam. For questionnaires, 92% (11/12) assessed mode, all assessed frequency and/or duration and 58% (7/12) collected information on perceived intensity. All but one study (92%) assessed validity of the questionnaires. Questionnaires compared with objective measures (accelerometers, pedometers) ranged from slight to fair agreement, while comparison with other self‐reported measures ranged from substantial to almost perfect agreement. Five studies (42%) assessed test–retest reliability of the questionnaires, ranging from substantial to almost perfect agreement. The four studies on diaries were all assessed for validity against objective measures, ranging from slight to substantial agreement.Conclusions:  Selection of valid and reliable physical activity measures that collect information on dose (type, frequency, duration, intensity) is recommended to increase precision and accuracy in detecting associations of physical activity with maternal and fetal outcomes.
Salt stress aggravates boron toxicity symptoms in banana leaves by impairing guttation
Authors: SHAPIRA OR , ISRAELI YAIR , SHANI URI , SCHWARTZ AMNON 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBoron (B) is known to accumulate in the leaf margins of different plant species, arguably a passive consequence of enhanced transpiration at the ends of the vascular system. However, transpiration rate is not the only factor affecting ion distribution. We examine an alternative hypothesis, suggesting the participation of the leaf bundle sheath in controlling radial water and solute transport from the xylem to the mesophyll in analogy to the root endodermis. In banana, excess B that remains confined to the vascular system is effectively disposed of via dissolution in the guttation fluid; therefore, impairing guttation should aggravate B damage to the leaf margins. Banana plants were subjected to increasing B concentrations. Guttation rates were manipulated by imposing a moderate osmotic stress. Guttation fluid was collected and analysed continuously. The distribution of ions across the lamina was determined. Impairing guttation indeed led to increased B damage to the leaf margins. The kinetics of ion concentration in guttation samples revealed major differences between ion species, corresponding to their distribution in the lamina dry matter. We provide evidence that the distribution pattern of B and other ions across banana leaves depends on active filtration of the transpiration stream and on guttation.
Histone H2B monoubiquitination is required to reach maximal transcript levels of circadian clock genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Himanen Kristiina , Woloszynska Magdalena , Boccardi Tommaso M. , De Groeve Steven , Nelissen Hilde , Bruno Leonardo , Vuylsteke Marnik , Van Lijsebettens Mieke 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPreviously, we identified HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION1 (HUB1) as an unconventional ubiquitin E3 ligase that is not involved in protein degradation but in the histone H2B modification that is implicated in transcriptional activation in plants. HUB1‐mediated regulation of gene expression played a role in periodic and inducible processes such as the cell cycle, dormancy, flowering time and defense responses. Here, we determined the effects of the hub1‐1 mutation on expression of a set of diurnally induced circadian clock genes identified from a comparative microarray analysis between the hub1‐1 mutant and an HUB1 over‐expression line. The hub1‐1 mutation reduced the amplitudes of a number of induced clock gene expression peaks, as well as the HUB1‐mediated histone H2BUb and H3K4Me3 marks associated with the coding regions, suggesting a role for HUB1 in facilitating transcriptional elongation in plants. Furthermore, double mutants between hub1‐1 and elongata (elo) showed an embryo‐lethal phenotype, indicating a synergistic genetic interaction. The double mutant embryos arrested at the torpedo stage, implying that together histone ubiquitination and acetylation marks are essential to activate expression of target genes in multiple pathways.
A RAD52‐like single‐stranded DNA binding protein affects mitochondrial DNA repair by recombination
Authors: Janicka Sabina , Kühn Kristina , Le Ret Monique , Bonnard Geraldine , Imbault Patrice , Augustyniak Halina , Gualberto José M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe plant mitochondrial DNA‐binding protein ODB1 was identified from a mitochondrial extract after DNA‐affinity purification. ODB1 (organellar DNA‐binding protein 1) co‐purified with WHY2, a mitochondrial member of the WHIRLY family of plant‐specific proteins involved in the repair of organellar DNA. The Arabidopsis thaliana ODB1 gene is identical to RAD52‐1, which encodes a protein functioning in homologous recombination in the nucleus but additionally localizing to mitochondria. We confirmed the mitochondrial localization of ODB1 by in vitro and in vivo import assays, as well as by immunodetection on Arabidopsis subcellular fractions. In mitochondria, WHY2 and ODB1 were found in large nucleo‐protein complexes. Both proteins co‐immunoprecipitated in a DNA‐dependent manner. In vitro assays confirmed DNA binding by ODB1 and showed that the protein has higher affinity for single‐stranded than for double‐stranded DNA. ODB1 showed no sequence specificity in vitro. In vivo, DNA co‐immunoprecipitation indicated that ODB1 binds sequences throughout the mitochondrial genome. ODB1 promoted annealing of complementary DNA sequences, suggesting a RAD52‐like function as a recombination mediator. Arabidopsis odb1 mutants were morphologically indistinguishable from the wild‐type, but following DNA damage by genotoxic stress, they showed reduced mitochondrial homologous recombination activity. Under the same conditions, the odb1 mutants showed an increase in illegitimate repair bypasses generated by microhomology‐mediated recombination. These observations identify ODB1 as a further component of homologous recombination‐dependent DNA repair in plant mitochondria.
The association between contact sensitization and atopic disease by linkage of a clinical database and a nationwide patient registry
Authors: Thyssen J. P. , Johansen J. D. , Linneberg A. , Menné T. , Engkilde K. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundExperimental studies have shown that individuals with atopic dermatitis are likely to have suppressed contact sensitivity secondary to their disease whereas some clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with atopic dermatitis might have a higher prevalence of contact sensitization than controls. The objective was to study the association between contact sensitization and, respectively, atopic dermatitis and asthma using clinical databases.MethodsRecord linkage of two different registers was performed: (i) a tertiary hospital register of dermatitis patient's patch tested for contact sensitivity and (ii) the Danish National Patient Register containing nationwide hospital discharge diagnoses and outpatient contacts.ResultsAn inverse association was found between contact sensitization and, respectively, presumed severe atopic dermatitis (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.61–0.81) and asthma (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.90) when linkage was performed. Inverse associations were found for all groups of chemicals and metals except for sensitization to fragrances and topical drugs where positive associations were identified. A significant positive association between fragrance sensitization and presumed mild–moderate atopic dermatitis was also found when data from hospital register only were used, suggesting an overall higher prevalence of fragrance sensitization in patients with atopic dermatitis.ConclusionsOur findings support that patients with severe atopic dermatitis and asthma have an overall lower prevalence of contact sensitization when compared with controls, whereas mild‐to‐moderate disease does not suppress contact sensitization. The prevalence of contact sensitization to fragrance chemicals was higher in patients with atopic dermatitis. Patients should be instructed to avoid scented moisturizers and products containing highly sensitizing substances.
Local free light chain expression is increased in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Groot Kormelink T. , Calus L. , De Ruyck N. , Holtappels G. , Bachert C. , Redegeld F. A. , Gevaert P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundFree light chain (FLC) concentrations are demonstrated to be increased in different inflammatory disorders and are proposed to mediate mast cell–dependent immune responses. A role for mast cells is suggested in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), which is characterized by a local Th2 inflammatory response. However, clear mast cell–activating factors are not always apparent. In this study, the presence of FLCs in CRS patients with or without nasal polyps (CRSw/sNP) was investigated and the effect of different treatments on FLC expression was analyzed.MethodsNasal tissue, nasal secretion, and serum of control patients, patients with CRSwNP, and CRSsNP were analyzed for the presence of kappa and lambda FLC. The expression of FLCs in nasal polyp tissue was investigated using immunohistochemistry. In addition, FLC was measured in serum and nasal secretion of nasal polyp patients treated with methylprednisolone, doxycycline, anti‐IL‐5, or placebo.ResultsFree light chain concentrations were increased in nasal secretion and mucosal tissue homogenates in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and this effect was most prominent in CRSwNP patients. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the increased FLC concentrations in nasal polyp tissue. In CRSwNP patients, treatment with methylprednisolone or anti‐IL‐5 resulted in the reduction in systemic or local FLC concentrations, respectively.ConclusionThe presence of FLC in CRSwNP and CRSsNP suggests a possible role in mediating the local immune reaction in the paranasal cavities. Furthermore, the decrease in local FLCs after treatment with anti‐IL‐5 presumes that IL‐5 creates an environment that favors FLC production.
Biological and genetic determinants of atopy are predictors of immediate‐type allergy to betalactams, in Spain
Authors: Cornejo‐García J. A. , Guéant‐Rodriguez R.‐M. , Torres M. J. , Blanca‐Lopez N. , Tramoy D. , Romano A. , Blanca M. , Guéant J.‐L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundBetalactam (BL) immediate‐type allergy is influenced by environmental and genetic determinants, as illustrated by differences in worldwide prevalence and ethnicity from a same area and by associations with genes related to atopy.AimsTo evaluate the association of atopy with BL allergy.Materials and methodsWe measured specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) against prevalent allergens and genetic predictors of atopy, IL13, IL4, IL4RA, IL4, and TNFA, in 340 patients and 340 controls from South of Spain.ResultsTotal IgE and IgE against mites were at higher concentration in patients. Patients with high total IgE and IgE against prevalent allergens had a slower decrease in BL IgE than nonatopic patients. IL4RA I50V and Q551R were associated with IgE against prevalent allergens and total IgE, respectively, and were also predictors of BL allergy.ConclusionInteracting determinants of atopy, total IgE, IgE against prevalent allergens, and IL4RA polymorphisms, contribute to the high prevalence of BL allergy in South of Spain.
Mitochondrial D‐loop analysis reveals low diversity in Mangalica pigs and their relationship to historical specimens
Authors: Molnár J. , Tóth G. , Stéger V. , Zsolnai A. , Jánosi A. , Mohr A. , Szántó‐Egész R. , Tóth P. , Micsinai A. , Rátky J. , Marincs F. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe genetic relationship between 195 Mangalica and 79 non‐Mangalica pigs was studied using mitochondrial D‐loop SNP genotyping. Altogether, 35 polymorphic sites and 27 haplotypes were identified. Of the haplotypes, eight and 16 are Mangalica and non‐Mangalica specific, respectively, while three contain both Mangalica and non‐Mangalica individuals. Genetic distance values and phylogenetic analysis indicate that Mangalica individuals are very closely related, and five haplotypes represent approximately 92% of the Mangalica pigs involved in the study, thus determining the major maternal lineages. In contrast to previous microsatellite studies, individuals of Mangalica could not be distinguished as three separate breeds using mtDNA genotyping. Comparing modern and archaeological mtDNA sequences revealed that present day Mangalica is related to pigs that lived in the Carpathian basin where postulated ancestors of Mangalica also lived. This is the first DNA‐based genetic evidence to support the described breeding history of Mangalica.
Poor correlation between tuberculin skin tests and interferon‐γ assays in close contacts of patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis
Authors: JO KYUNG‐WOOK , JEON KYEONGMAN , KANG YOUNG AE , KOH WON‐JUNG , KIM KYUNG CHAN , KIM YEE HYUNG , YOO KWANG HA , LEE SEUNG HEON , YIM JAE‐JOON , CHOI SANG BONG , CHOI WON‐IL , CHOI JAE CHOL , HWANG YONG IL , SHIM TAE SUN 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Objective:  The results of tuberculin skin tests (TST) and QuantiFERON TB‐Gold In‐Tube (QFT‐GIT) assays were compared in close contacts of patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB).Methods:  Close contacts of patients with bacteriologically confirmed MDR‐TB (n = 101) were assessed. Most contacts were members of the households of patients, and 79 (78.2%) had received Bacille Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) vaccination. Samples from each contact were tested using the TST and the QFT‐GIT assay on the same day, and the concordance between these results was assessed using kappa (κ) coefficients.Results:  Forty‐eight subjects (47.5%) showed positive responses on TST, using a 10‐mm induration cut‐off, and 54 (53.5%) were positive for the QFT‐GIT assay. Of the 48 individuals who were TST positive, 34 (70.8%) were positive for the QFT‐GIT assay. Of the 53 subjects who were TST negative, 33 (62.5%) were negative for the QFT‐GIT assay. The overall agreement between the two tests (κ coefficient) was 0.33. The κ coefficient was higher in the 22 subjects who had not received BCG vaccination (κ = 0.48) than in the 79 subjects who had received BCG vaccination (κ = 0.29).Conclusion:  The TST and QFT‐GIT assays showed poor correlation in close contacts of patients with MDR‐TB, especially those contacts who had received BCG vaccination.
An unusual new paracolletine bee, Leioproctus (Ottocolletes) muelleri subgen. & sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Colletidae): with notes on nesting biology and in‐burrow nest guarding by macrocephalic males
Authors: Houston Terry F , Maynard Glynn V 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLeioproctus muelleri sp. nov. is described from south‐western Australia, and a new subgenus, Ottocolletes, is established to contain it. The species is remarkable for the relatively enormous head and mandibles of its males. Both sexes were encountered at nesting sites in a dry, winter‐wet depression where pollen‐laden females were observed entering holes in the ground and males flew close to the ground surface. Four nests in which females were constructing and provisioning cells were occupied also by single males. Patrolling males stopped frequently to inspect burrow entrances and occasionally entered but usually backed out quickly apparently repelled by occupant males. Skirmishes observed and photographed at nest entrances revealed that fighting males grasp their opponent's head in their mandibles. Male macrocephaly in this species almost certainly is associated with mate‐guarding or progeny‐guarding behaviour. Observations are presented also on nest architecture, pollen provisions and dormant larvae that survive inundation of the nesting area during winter.