bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follow‐ups of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in 2001 and 2007: Levels and 6‐year changes in risk factors
Authors: Raiko J. R. H. , Viikari J. S. A. , Ilmanen A. , Hutri‐Kähönen N. , Taittonen L. , Jokinen E. , Pietikäinen M. , Jula A. , Loo B.‐M. , Marniemi J. , Lehtimäki T. , Kähönen M. , Rönnemaa T. , Raitakari O. T. , Juonala M. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.  Raiko JRH, Viikari JSA, Ilmanen A, Hutri‐Kähönen N, Taittonen L, Jokinen E, Pietikäinen M, Jula A, Loo B.‐M, Marniemi J, Lehtimäki T, Kähönen M, Rönnemaa T, Raitakari OT, Juonala M (University of Turku; University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere; University of Oulu, Oulu; Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa; University of Helsinki, Helsinki; and Center of Social and Health Services, Kuopio; Finland). Follow‐ups of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in 2001 and 2007: Levels and 6‐year changes in risk factors. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 370–384.Objectives.  To examine cardiovascular risk factor levels in 2007 and their 6‐year changes between 2001 and 2007 using the data collected in the follow‐ups of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.Design.  Population‐based follow‐up study.Subjects.  A total of 2204 healthy Finnish adults aged 30–45 years (1210 women; 994 men).Main outcome measures.  Levels in 2007 and changes between 2001 and 2007 of lipids, insulin, glucose, blood pressure, smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, waist and hip circumferences.Results.  The mean serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in 30‐ to 45‐year‐old adults were 5.05, 3.09, 1.34 and 1.40 mmol L−1, respectively. Significant changes (P < 0.05) between 2001 and 2007 in 30‐ to 39‐year‐old subjects included a decrease in total cholesterol (−6.6% in men, −5.8% in women), LDL‐cholesterol (−10.2% and −11.6%) and an increase in diastolic blood pressure (3.5% and 3.9%). Waist circumference (1.8% and 5.5%) and systolic blood pressure increased in 36–39 year olds (2.3% and 2.3%). HDL‐cholesterol increased in 30‐ to 33‐year‐old women (5.8%) Glucose levels increased in 30‐ to 39‐year‐old women (3.7%) and 36‐ to 39‐year‐old men (3.6%). Smoking prevalence decreased in 36‐ to 39‐year‐old men from 29.8% to 22.2%.Conclusions.  The 6‐year changes in total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol in young Finns were favourable between 2001 and 2007. However, waist circumference, glucose and blood pressure levels increased. Therefore, continuous efforts are still needed in fighting against cardiovascular risk factors.
Vaccinate your child and save its grandparents from a heart attack? Current perspectives in antipneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Vila‐Córcoles Angel 
Published: June 2009

Abstract. Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are three established approaches to anti‐pneumococcal vaccination: capsular polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV), protein–polysaccharide conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (CPV) and protein‐based pneumococcal vaccine (PBPV). At present, only a 23‐valent PPV for use in adults and a seven‐valent CPV for use in infants are available in clinical practice. This study reviews available data on the efficacy of the available vaccines in different age groups and disease presentations, and the advantages and shortcomings of each type of vaccine, including future perspectives. Special attention is given to controversies regarding the efficacy of PPV against pneumonia in adults and its protective effects against myocardial infarction.
Does greater leaf‐level photosynthesis explain the larger solar energy conversion efficiency of Miscanthus relative to switchgrass?
Authors: DOHLEMAN F. G. , HEATON E. A. , LEAKEY A. D. B. , LONG S. P. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTC4 perennial grasses are being considered for bioenergy because of their high productivity and low inputs. In side‐by‐side replicated trials, Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) has previously been found more than twice as productive as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The hypothesis that this difference is attributable to higher leaf photosynthetic rates was tested on established plots of switchgrass and Miscanthus in central Illinois with >3300 individual measurements on 20 dates across the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Seasonally integrated leaf‐level photosynthesis was 33% higher in Miscanthus than switchgrass (P < 0.0001). This increase in carbon assimilation comes at the expense of additional transpiration since stomatal conductance was on average 25% higher in Miscanthus (P < 0.0001). Whole‐chain electron transport rate, measured simultaneously by modulated chlorophyll fluorescence, was similarly 23% higher in Miscanthus (P < 0.0001). Efficiencies of light energy transduction into whole chain photosynthetic electron transport, leaf nitrogen use and leaf water use were all significantly higher in Miscanthus. These may all contribute to its higher photosynthetic rates, and in turn, productivity. Systematic measurement of photosynthesis over two complete growing seasons in the field provides a unique dataset explaining why the productivity of these two species differs and for validating mechanistic production models for these emerging bioenergy crops.
Moderate heat stress reduces the pH component of the transthylakoid proton motive force in light‐adapted, intact tobacco leaves
Authors: ZHANG RU , CRUZ JEFFREY A. , KRAMER DAVID M. , MAGALLANES‐LUNDBACK MARIA E. , DELLAPENNA DEAN , SHARKEY THOMAS D. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWe measured the ΔΨ and ΔpH components of the transthylakoid proton motive force (pmf) in light‐adapted, intact tobacco leaves in response to moderate heat. The ΔΨ causes an electrochromic shift (ECS) in carotenoid absorbance spectra. The light–dark difference spectrum has a peak at 518 nm and the two components of the pmf were separated by following the ECS for 25 s after turning the light off. The ECS signal was deconvoluted by subtracting the effects of zeaxanthin formation (peak at 505 nm) and the qE‐related absorbance changes (peak at 535 nm) from a signal measured at 520 nm. Heat reduced ΔpH while ΔΨ slightly increased. Elevated temperature accelerated ECS decay kinetics likely reflecting heat‐induced increases in proton conductance and ion movement. Energy‐dependent quenching (qE) was reduced by heat. However, the reduction of qE was less than expected given the loss of ΔpH. Zeaxanthin did not increase with heat in light‐adapted leaves but it was higher than would be predicted given the reduced ΔpH found at high temperature. The results indicate that moderate heat stress can have very large effects on thylakoid reactions.
Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) salivary components induce defence responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: DE VOS MARTIN , JANDER GEORG 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) feeding on Arabidopsis thaliana induces a defence response, quantified as reduced aphid progeny production, in infested leaves but not in other parts of the plant. Similarly, infiltration of aphid saliva into Arabidopsis leaves causes only a local increase in aphid resistance. Further characterization of the defence‐eliciting salivary components indicates that Arabidopsis recognizes a proteinaceous elicitor with a size between 3 and 10 kD. Genetic analysis using well‐characterized Arabidopsis mutants shows that saliva‐induced resistance against M. persicae is independent of the known defence signalling pathways involving salicylic acid, jasmonate and ethylene. Among 78 Arabidopsis genes that were induced by aphid saliva infiltration, 52 had been identified previously as aphid‐induced, but few are responsive to the well‐known plant defence signalling molecules salicylic acid and jasmonate. Quantitative PCR analyses confirm expression of saliva‐induced genes. In particular, expression of a set of O‐methyltransferases, which may be involved in the synthesis of aphid‐repellent glucosinolates, was significantly up‐regulated by both M. persicae feeding and treatment with aphid saliva. However, this did not correlate with increased production of 4‐methoxyindol‐3‐ylmethylglucosinolate, suggesting that aphid salivary components trigger an Arabidopsis defence response that is independent of this aphid‐deterrent glucosinolate.
In vitro assessment of red‐cell concentrates in SAG‐M filtered through the MacoPharma™ P‐CAPT prion‐reduction filter
Authors: Murphy C. V. , Eakins E. , Fagan J. , Croxon H. , Murphy W. G. 
Published: June 2009

summary.This study investigated whether filtration of leucodepleted red cells in SAG‐M through the P‐CAPT™ filter in order to prevent the potential risk of vCJD infection associated with prion transmission through transfusion has any deleterious effect on red‐cell quality. Bottom‐and‐top SAG‐M leucodepleted red‐cell concentrates (24 units) were prion‐reduction filtered on the day following collection, with half of the units undergoing irradiation on day 14. A control group (12 units) was not prion filtered. Units were sampled at 7‐day intervals up to day 35 and tested using standard measures of red‐cell quality as well as prothrombin content (to examine prion filter efficacy). Haemoglobin loss per unit was ∼9 g and in some cases levels were below standard specification (40 g). Haemolysis increased significantly after filtration [0.01 (0.00‐0.05) vs. 0.23 (0.07‐0.52, p<0.001)]. Prothrombin levels were reduced 41.6‐fold compared to leucodepleted red‐cell units. Product specifications were within or close to routine acceptable levels. Owing to the reduction in haemoglobin levels below those specified, it may be preferable to reduce haemoglobin specification levels and transfuse more prion‐filtered units rather than transfuse potentially unsafe blood product. The risk of transfusing more units with less haemoglobin should be offset against the risk of transfusing unfiltered blood.
Changes in transfusion practice in multiple injury between 1993 and 2006: a retrospective analysis on 5389 patients from the German Trauma Registry
Authors: Maegele Marc , Lefering Rolf , Paffrath Thomas , Simanski Christian , Wutzler Sebastian , Bouillon Bertil ,   the Working Group on Polytrauma of the German Trauma Society (DGU)
Published: June 2009

summary.To evaluate transfusion practices in multiple injured patients and to demonstrate changes in the pattern of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions over the last one‐and‐half decade (1993–2006). A retrospective analysis using the German Trauma Registry database (DGU‐Traumaregister) including 29 353 multiple injured patients was conducted. The study population included primary admissions presenting to the emergency room (ER) with clinical and laboratory signs of active haemorrhage [haemoglobin < 9 g × dL−1, platelets < 90000 ×μL−1 and prothrombin time (Quick‐value) < 60%]. The pattern of pRBC transfusions was followed from ER to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A total of 5389 patients with complete data sets were divided into the following three groups according to the year of treatment and analysed: (a) group 1: 1993–1998 (n = 870), (b) group 2: 1999–2002 (n = 2044) and (c) group 3: 2003–2006 (n = 2475). Patients had a mean age of 40.5 (±20) years and were predominantly male (67.2%). All patients were substantially injured (mean injury severity score = 32 ± 15.5) and in 93% the mechanism of injury was blunt. The percentage of patients who received pRBC transfusions between ER and ICU dropped from 72% in 1993–1998 to 54% in 2003–2006 (P < 0.005). Similarly, the percentage of patients receiving mass transfusions (> 10 pRBC units) dropped from 51.3 to 17.1%. This decline was accompanied by lower incidence rates for septic complications, ventilator days, ICU length‐of‐stay and mortality. pRBC transfusion practices in acute trauma care have changed substantially over the last one‐and‐half decade and were associated with better outcome.
False‐positive reactions of some monoclonal anti‐c reagents
Authors: Strobel E. , Bauer M. F. 
Published: June 2009

summary.Cross‐reactivities of monoclonal reagents for red blood cell (RBC) typing are seen very rarely, e.g. in some reagents for testing of ABO or Lewis antigens. We report on two patients in whom we observed weak reactions using a monoclonal anti‐c reagent containing clone MS35, but no reactions with anti‐c reagents containing other monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. To resolve this discrepancy, we studied RHCE exon 1 (Ex1) and 2 from genomic DNA of one patient and performed quality controls of the false‐positive reacting anti‐c reagent. RHCE Ex1 showed no abnormalities as well as RH Ex2 examined with primers specific for Ex2 D/C. No amplification product of RH Ex2 was received with primers specific for c. A titration study with untreated, papain‐treated and sialidase‐treated adult and newborn RBCs showed anti‐i reactivity of the false‐positive reacting reagent. This reactivity could not be removed by absorption with c‐negative newborn RBCs without reducing the anti‐c titre in the same way, indicating a cross‐reactivity. Some manufacturers give a remark on a possible cold agglutinin activity of their monoclonal anti‐c reagents in the instruction leaflet, but in order to avoid such irritation, we recommend to remove this cross‐reactivity by dilution during the manufacturing process.
Assessment of physicians knowledge in transfusion medicine, Iran, 2007
Authors: Gharehbaghian A. , Javadzadeh Shahshahani H. , Attar M. , Rahbari Bonab M. , Mehran M. , Tabrizi Namini M. 
Published: June 2009

summary.Knowledge of physicians has an important role in optimal use of blood products. This study was carried out to assess Iranian physicians' knowledge in transfusion medicine. In this cross‐sectional study, 1242 physicians were selected through multistage sampling method in March 2007. Physicians' knowledge was assessed by the questionnaire comprising of 50 questions addressing basic knowledge, clinical aspects of blood use and transfusion reactions. One point was awarded for each correct answer. Approximately 22%, 37%, and 40% of the questions referring to basic knowledge, clinical aspects of blood use and transfusion reactions, respectively, were replied correctly. Thirty three percent came out to be the average figure for the questions receiving correct answers. Knowledge score of the specialists who were more frequently involved in blood use was not significantly different from other specialists (radiologists or psychiatrics) and general practitioners. Knowledge score decreased with increasing years in practice (P < 0.001). Ninety nine percent of physicians under the study believed that they required special education to raise their transfusion medicine knowledge. Knowledge of physicians was about one‐third lower than the expected level. Therefore, educational materials concerning transfusion medicine should be provided for medical students, residents and fellows. For practicing physicians, continuous medical education programmes should be offered so that the level of transfusion medicine knowledge can be improved.
Patient perspectives on health advice posted on Internet discussion boards: a qualitative study
Authors: Armstrong Natalie , Powell John 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Use of the Internet for health information by patients is growing, and there have been diverse responses to this both within the research community and the medical and health‐related professions. The use of Internet discussion boards are one way that people living with long‐term conditions can interact with their peers and offer and seek advice, support and information. We report patient perspectives on using a discussion board within a wider pilot study of an Internet‐based self‐management system for diabetes.Design  Qualitative data was gathered during three stages of developing and piloting the wider self‐management system. These are: (1) patient focus groups as part of a stakeholder consultation; (2) a pre‐test session and focus group; and 3. a 6‐month pilot study including follow‐up individual interviews.Results  Three main themes were identified within participants’ perspectives on Internet discussion boards. First, a focus on the importance and value of peer support to these patients. Secondly, participants’ awareness of the need to evaluate the information posted by others in light of their own circumstances. Thirdly, the value placed upon the experiential knowledge of others living with the same condition.Conclusions  Many people living with long‐term conditions would like to be in contact with their peers, and Internet discussion boards represent a cost‐effective and interactive way of achieving this. Within the context of diabetes, the knowledge and expertise accumulated over many years of self‐management is central to participants’ self‐reported ability to evaluate information posted and make decisions on its possible use.
Cow’s milk allergy related pediatric constipation: Appropriate time of milk tolerance
Authors: El‐Hodhod M. A. , Younis N. T. , Zaitoun Y. A. , Daoud S. D. 
Published: June 2009

El‐Hodhod MA, Younis NT, Zaitoun YA, Daoud SD. Cow’s milk allergy related pediatric constipation: Appropriate time of milk tolerance. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e407–e412. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SCow’s milk allergy (CMA) has different clinical presentations according to age. The study aimed to evaluate the extent of CMA as a cause of pediatric constipation and determine the appropriate timing of tolerance to cow milk in such patients. The study included 60 patients suffering from chronic functional constipation, 27 of whom did not respond to 2 month laxative therapy (group I). Thirty age and sex matched apparently healthy infants and children were studied as a control group (group II). Serum specific IgE to cow milk proteins was measured. Withdrawal of cow milk and dairy products for a 1 month period was then followed by cow milk re‐challenge over 2 wk. Patients were classified into: responders to this schedule (cow milk allergic = group Ia; n = 21) and non‐responders (non‐cow milk allergic = group Ib; n = 6). Eighteen CMA patients continued the study where nine of them underwent milk reinstitution after 6 months and another nine patients after 12 months of elimination. The frequency of CMA among constipated patients was 77.7%. Mean values of serum specific IgE to whole cow milk protein and β‐lactoglobulins were significantly higher in constipated patients (0.82 ± 0.08, 0.79 ± 0.13 IU/ml, respectively) compared with controls (0.26 ± 0.14, 0.27 ± 0.14 IU/ml, respectively) and in group Ia (0.99 ± 0.08, 0.95 ± 0.14 IU/ml, respectively) compared with group Ib (0.39 ± 0.06, 0.37 ± 0.10 IU/ml, respectively). Serum specific IgE was positive in 85.7% of CMA group, predominantly in class 2. Tolerance to cow milk was achieved after 6 months in only 22.2% compared with 88.8% after 12 months of elimination. In conclusion, CMA is shown to be a significant etiologic factor for constipation in infants and young children. Serum levels of IgE to cow milk proteins are helpful although not definitive for diagnosis. Based on this limited study, tolerance is better achieved after 12 months of strict cow’s milk elimination.
Mortality in pediatric renal transplantation: A study of the French pediatric kidney database
Authors: Allain‐Launay E. , Roussey‐Kesler G. , Ranchin B. , Guest G. , Maisin A. , Novo R. , André J. L. , Cloarec S. , Guyot C. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Objective and Methods:  To assess patient survival in pediatric renal transplantation, we retrospectively reviewed 573 transplants in 553 patients, registered from 1995 to 2005.Results:  Mean age at transplantation was 9.9 years. Patient survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was respectively 99%, 97% and 96%. Death occurred at a median time of 2.6 years after transplantation. Long‐term patient survival was significantly lower in recipients younger than 5 years old. Seventeen patients (3.1%) died. Two deaths occurred while under maintenance dialysis. Among the remaining patients, the two main causes of death were infections (33%) and malignancies (27%). Interestingly, initial disease‐related complications were a major cause of death (34%).Conclusion:  A low mortality rate was observed, with the majority of deaths due to malignancies and infections, and with a notable participation of complications related to the initial disease. No impact of cardiovascular disease was noted with the given follow‐up period. Improvements in managing immunosuppression may contribute to reducing mortality in pediatric renal transplantation.
Comparison of fibrin glue with sutures for pterygium excision surgery with conjunctival autografts
Authors: Hall Reece C , Logan Andrew J , Wells Anthony P 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To compare pterygium excision conjunctival autograft surgery using Tisseel fibrin glue versus Vicryl sutures.Method:  Prospective randomized clinical trial. Fifty patients were randomized into either sutured graft or glued graft groups. Twenty‐five received standard conjunctival autograft sutured with Vicryl and 25 received surgery with the autograft placed with Tisseel fibrin glue. Outcome measures include surgical time, patient discomfort, pathology, complications and recurrence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months. Patients were followed up at days 1, 7, 14, 30, 90, 180 and 365.Results:  The mean surgical time for the glue group was significantly shorter at 12 min compared with the suture group at 26 min (P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was significantly less at day 1 (P < 0.001) and day 2 (P < 0.05) but was not significantly different following these visits. Complications in the glue group included one patient with an absent graft at week 1 that required revision of the graft. At 3 months there were no recurrences in the glue group and two recurrences in the suture group. The 6‐ and 12‐month recurrence rate was unchanged and not significantly different between the glue and suture groups (both 0/24 and 2/23, respectively).Conclusion:  Both glued and sutured conjunctival autografting procedures are safe and effective methods for pterygium surgery. The glued autograft recurrence rate at 12 months was similar to that of sutured grafts. Conjunctival autograft with fibrin glue in pterygium surgery decreased surgical time and resulted in less postoperative pain in the first 48 hours but had a higher complication rate.