bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal and fetal serum orexin‐A levels in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yilmaz Ercan , Celik Onder , Celik Nilufer , Celik Ebru , Turkcuoglu Ilgin , Simsek Yavuz , Minareci Yagmur , Boz Mehmet , Aydin Suleyman 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  Evidence suggests that orexin regulates food consumption, glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Orexin may have a role in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes mellitus, however its role in gestational diabetes mellitus is not known. We aimed to assess maternal serum and cord blood orexin‐A (OXA) concentrations in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Material and Methods:  Thirty‐five pregnant women with GDM and 35 gestational‐age‐matched healthy pregnant subjects participated in the study. Maternal serum and cord blood OXA levels were measured with enzyme immunoassay at the time of birth. The correlations between maternal serum and cord blood OXA levels, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were also assessed.Results:  The mean maternal and cord serum OXA (1.16 ± 0.37 and 1.35 ± 0.20 ng/mL, respectively) in the GDM group were significantly different from those of the controls (1.58 ± 0.59 and 1.25 ± 0.21 ng/mL, respectively). The mean maternal fasting‐glucose‐to‐OXA ratio was significantly higher in the GDM group. In the GDM group, the mean maternal serum OXA levels were similar in the insulin (n = 24) and diet (n = 11) treated cases, respectively (1.13 ± 0.36 ng/mL and 1.21 ± 0.41 ng/mL). Maternal serum OXA levels positively correlated with fetal serum OXA and maternal glucose levels. OXA concentrations in maternal serum were negatively correlated with the fasting glucose, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index.Conclusions:  Maternal serum OXA levels decrease, and fetal serum OXA levels increase in women with GDM.
Planned and unplanned pregnancy: Effects on health practice and depression during pregnancy
Authors: Yanikkerem Emre , Ay Semra , Piro Nicole 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and characteristics of women with unplanned pregnancy (UP) and to examine the associations between pregnancy planning status and women's health practice and depression during pregnancy in Manisa, Turkey.Material and Methods:  The study was conducted with pregnant women (n = 550) who attended a state hospital for antenatal care in Manisa, Turkey. Health practices of women during pregnancy were assessed with the Health Practices Questionnaire (HPQ II) and depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results:  Of the 550 pregnancies, 149 (27.1%) were unplanned. Women whose pregnancies were planned were likely to be younger, more educated, employed, to perceive more social support and to be more satisfied in marriage life than women whose pregnancies were unplanned. The number of pregnancies, births and children was higher in women whose pregnancies were unplanned. Women with UP had significantly lower HPQ scores (mean 118.4, SD = 13.5) than women with planned pregnancies (mean 124.0, SD = 14.1). Women with UP also had a significantly higher score for BDI (mean 10.3, SD 6.9 vs mean 8.1, SD 5.8).Conclusions:  Women with UP had engaged in fewer healthy practices and experienced more depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Health‐care providers should screen for UP at an early stage and offer health education programs to help women to develop positive health practices and to improve their emotional health.
Multisynaptic projections from the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex to the dorsal premotor cortex in macaques – anatomical substrate for conditional visuomotor behavior
Authors: Takahara Daisuke , Inoue Ken‐ichi , Hirata Yoshihiro , Miyachi Shigehiro , Nambu Atsushi , Takada Masahiko , Hoshi Eiji 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLines of evidence indicate that both the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) (areas 45/12) and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) (rostral F2 in area 6) are crucially involved in conditional visuomotor behavior, in which it is required to determine an action based on an associated visual object. However, virtually no direct projections appear to exist between the vlPFC and PMd. In the present study, to elucidate possible multisynaptic networks linking the vlPFC to the PMd, we performed a series of neuroanatomical tract‐tracing experiments in macaque monkeys. First, we identified cortical areas that send projection fibers directly to the PMd by injecting Fast Blue into the PMd. Considerable retrograde labeling occurred in the dorsal prefrontal cortex (dPFC) (areas 46d/9/8B/8Ad), dorsomedial motor cortex (dmMC) (F7 and presupplementary motor area), rostral cingulate motor area, and ventral premotor cortex (F5 and area 44), whereas the vlPFC was virtually devoid of neuronal labeling. Second, we injected the rabies virus, a retrograde transneuronal tracer, into the PMd. At 3 days after the rabies injections, second‐order neurons were labeled in the vlPFC (mainly area 45), indicating that the vlPFC disynaptically projects to the PMd. Finally, to determine areas that connect the vlPFC to the PMd indirectly, we carried out an anterograde/retrograde dual‐labeling experiment in single monkeys. By examining the distribution of axon terminals labeled from the vlPFC and cell bodies labeled from the PMd, we found overlapping labels in the dPFC and dmMC. These results indicate that the vlPFC outflow is directed toward the PMd in a multisynaptic fashion through the dPFC and/or dmMC.
Traumatic spinal cord injury in two European countries: why the differences?
Authors: Sabre L. , Hagen E. M. , Rekand T. , Asser T. , Kõrv J. 
Published: August 2012

Background and purposeThe aim of the study was to compare the incidence, causes, severity and mortality of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Western Norway and Estonia from 1997 to 2001.MethodsThe patients were identified from hospital records. All patients were followed until death or 14 October 2011. Analysed data included demographic data, causes of injury, neurological level, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale and mortality.ResultsA total of 71 patients in Western Norway and 244 in Estonia were included. The standardized incidence rate per million was 24.9 (CI 95%, 19.4–31.7) for Western Norway and 37.4 (CI 95%, 32.8–42.5) for Estonia. Falls was the most frequent cause of TSCI in both countries. The incidence of TSCI was highest among men in their 20s in Estonia and men in their 70s in Western Norway. The median survival time among the deceased was 4.0 (95% CI, 1.50–6.50) years in Norway and 2.8 (95% CI, 1.54–4.04) in Estonia. The mean standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 5.00 (95% CI, 4.00–6.20) in Estonia and 1.89 (95% CI, 1.23–2.77) in Western Norway.ConclusionAlthough the two cohorts had similar demographic, injury and clinical characteristics, the age profile of the victims was different. The incidence rate was 1.5 times higher and SMR was 2.7 times higher in Estonia. Probable explanations for the different outcomes of the two European countries are socioeconomic differences, lower physical activity level, lower life expectancy and insufficient injury prevention programmes in Estonia.
Can you Know me Better? An Exploratory Study Combining Behavioural and Physiological Measurements for an Objective Assessment of Sensory Responsiveness in a Child with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Lima Mariely , Silva Karine , Magalhães Ana , Amaral Isabel , Pestana Helena , de Sousa Liliana 
Published: August 2012

Background Sensory assessment of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) can be difficult for several reasons, including the idiosyncratic reactions that these individuals exhibit to environmental stimuli. This case report presents a combination of behavioural and physiological measurements aimed at providing an objective assessment of the sensory responsiveness of a child with PIMD.Material and Methods The participant was presented with a set of nineteen stimuli commonly used during sensory interventions. Responsiveness to these stimuli was assessed in terms of motor movements, heart rate and electrodermal responses.Results Although the child only exhibited consistent motor reactions to three of the items, he showed consistent physiological reactions to a total of ten stimuli.Conclusions Obtained data, although preliminary, suggest that combining behavioural and physiological measurements may constitute a useful resource for assessing the actual responsiveness of individuals with PIMD. With such a resource, people close to these individuals could fine tune their interventions and guarantee their well‐being.
Decreases in plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase in brain synaptic membrane rafts from aged rats
Authors: Jiang Lei , Bechtel Misty D. , Galeva Nadezhda A. , Williams Todd D. , Michaelis Elias K. , Michaelis Mary L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPrecise regulation of free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i is critical for normal neuronal function, and alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis are associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most important proteins controlling [Ca2+]i is the plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA), the high‐affinity transporter that fine tunes the cytosolic nanomolar levels of Ca2+. We previously found that PMCA protein in synaptic plasma membranes (SPMs) is decreased with advancing age and the decrease in enzyme activity is much greater than that in protein levels. In this study, we isolated raft and non‐raft fractions from rat brain SPMs and used quantitative mass spectrometry to show that the specialized lipid microdomains in SPMs, the rafts, contain 60% of total PMCA, comprised all four isoforms. The raft PMCA pool had the highest specific activity and this decreased progressively with age. The reduction in PMCA protein could not account for the dramatic activity loss. Addition of excess calmodulin to the assay did not restore PMCA activity to that in young brains. Analysis of the major raft lipids revealed a slight age‐related increase in cholesterol levels and such increases might enhance membrane lipid order and prevent further loss of PMCA activity.
Dynamic accommodative response to different visual stimuli (2D vs 3D) while watching television and while playing Nintendo 3DS Console
Authors: Oliveira Sílvia , Jorge Jorge , González‐Méijome José M 
Published: August 2012

Citation information: Oliveira S, Jorge J & González‐Méijome JM. Dynamic accommodative response to different visual stimuli (2D vs 3D) while watching television and while playing Nintendo 3DS Console. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 383–389 doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00934.xAbstractPurpose:  The aim of the present study was to compare the accommodative response to the same visual content presented in two dimensions (2D) and stereoscopically in three dimensions (3D) while participants were either watching a television (TV) or Nintendo 3DS console.Methods:  Twenty‐two university students, with a mean age of 20.3 ± 2.0 years (mean ± S.D.), were recruited to participate in the TV experiment and fifteen, with a mean age of 20.1 ± 1.5 years took part in the Nintendo 3DS console study. The accommodative response was measured using a Grand Seiko WAM 5500 autorefractor. In the TV experiment, three conditions were used initially: the film was viewed in 2D mode (TV2D without glasses), the same sequence was watched in 2D whilst shutter‐glasses were worn (TV2D with glasses) and the sequence was viewed in 3D mode (TV3D). Measurements were taken for 5 min in each condition, and these sections were sub‐divided into ten 30‐s segments to examine changes within the film. In addition, the accommodative response to three points of different disparity of one 3D frame was assessed for 30 s. In the Nintendo experiment, two conditions were employed – 2D viewing and stereoscopic 3D viewing.Results:  In the TV experiment no statistically significant differences were found between the accommodative response with TV2D without glasses (−0.38 ± 0.32D, mean ± S.D.) and TV3D (−0.37 ± 0.34D). Also, no differences were found between the various segments of the film, or between the accommodative response to different points of one frame (p > 0.05). A significant difference (p = 0.015) was found, however, between the TV2D with (−0.32 ± 0.32D) and without glasses (−0.38 ± 0.32D). In the Nintendo experiment the accommodative responses obtained in modes 2D (−2.57 ± 0.30D) and 3D (−2.49 ± 0.28D) were significantly different (paired t‐test p = 0.03).Conclusions:  The need to use shutter‐glasses may affect the accommodative response during the viewing of displays, and the accommodative response when playing Nintendo 3DS in 3D mode is lower than when it is viewed in 2D.
Parallel metaheuristics: recent advances and new trends
Authors: Alba Enrique , Luque Gabriel , Nesmachnow Sergio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe field of parallel metaheuristics is continuously evolving as a result of new technologies and needs that researchers have been encountering. In the last decade, new models of algorithms, new hardware for parallel execution/communication, and new challenges in solving complex problems have been making advances in a fast manner. We aim to discuss here on the state of the art, in a summarized manner, to provide a solution to deal with some of the growing topics. These topics include the utilization of classic parallel models in recent platforms (such as grid/cloud architectures and GPU/APU). However, porting existing algorithms to new hardware is not enough as a scientific goal, therefore researchers are looking for new parallel optimization and learning models that are targeted to these new architectures. Also, parallel metaheuristics, such as dynamic optimization and multiobjective problem resolution, have been applied to solve new problem domains in past years. In this article, we review these recent research areas in connection to parallel metaheuristics, as well as we identify future trends and possible open research lines for groups and PhD students.
Natural History of Early Repolarization in the Inferior Leads
Authors: Stein Ricardo , Sallam Karim , Adhikarla Chandana , Boga Madhavi , Wood Alexander D. , F Froelicher Victor 
Published: August 2012

Aims: Though early repolarization (ER) in the inferior leads has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, its natural history is uncertain. We aimed to study the serial electrocardiographic behavior of inferior ER and understand factors associated with that behavior.Methods: We selected electrocardiograms (ECGs) from patients with the greatest amplitude of ER in AVF from ECGs of 29,281 ambulatory patients recorded between 1987 and 1999 at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. Starting from the highest amplitude, we reviewed the ECGs and medical records from the first 85%. From this convenience sample, 36 were excluded for abnormal patterns similar to ER. The remaining 257 patients were searched for another ECG at least 5 months later, of whom, 136 satisfied this criteria. These ECGs were paired for comparison and coded by four interpreters.Results: The average time between the first and second ECGs was 10 years. Of the 136 subjects, 47% retained ER while 53% no longer fulfilled the amplitude criteria. While no significant differences were found in initial heart rate (HR) or time interval between ECGs, those who lost the ER pattern had a greater difference in HR between the ECGs. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular events or deaths.Conclusions: In conclusion, the ECG pattern of ER was lost over 10 years in over half of the cohort. The loss of ER was partially explained by changes in HR, but not higher incidence of cardiovascular events or death, suggesting the entity is a benign finding.
Predictive Value of Heart Rate Recovery after Exercise Testing in Addition to Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Ambulatory Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shinoda Norihiro , Hirashiki Akihiro , Okumura Takahiro , Okamoto Rie , Wu Cheng Xian , Kono Yuji , Takeshita Kyosuke , Yamada Sumio , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: August 2012

Background: Heart rate recovery (HRR) is related to autonomic function and is a prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease. We sought to investigate the clinical utility of HRR in addition to BNP levels in ambulatory outpatients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM).Methods: Seventy‐nine NICM outpatients were followed for a mean of 19 months. HRR was defined as the difference in heart rate between peak exercise and 1 minute later. On the basis of the lower tertile value, we allocated the patients to two groups: with HRR >12 bpm (n = 48; normal) and with HRR ≤12 bpm (n = 31, abnormal).Results: The probability of cardiac event‐free survival was significantly lower in the abnormal HRR group than in the normal HRR group (P = 0.002). Stepwise multivariate analysis revealed that plasma BNP and HRR were independent predictors of cardiac events. Patients with both HRR ≤12 bpm and BNP ≥200 pg/mL had significantly higher rates of cardiac events than those in whom only one, or neither, of these variables was abnormal.Conclusions: HRR after exercise testing, in addition to plasma BNP level, might be a useful indicator as a predictor for admission due to worsening heart failure and its combination is able to provide additive prognostic information in ambulatory outpatients with NICM.
The inflammation highway: metabolism accelerates inflammatory traffic in obesity
Authors: Johnson Amy R. , Justin Milner J. , Makowski Liza 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAs humans evolved, perhaps the two strongest selection determinants of survival were a robust immune response able to clear bacterial, viral, and parasitic infection and an ability to efficiently store nutrients to survive times when food sources were scarce. These traits are not mutually exclusive. It is now apparent that critical proteins necessary for regulating energy metabolism, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, Toll‐like receptors, and fatty acid‐binding proteins, also act as links between nutrient metabolism and inflammatory pathway activation in immune cells. Obesity in humans is a symptom of energy imbalance: the scale has been tipped such that energy intake exceeds energy output and may be a result, in part, of evolutionary selection toward a phenotype characterized by efficient energy storage. As discussed in this review, obesity is a state of low‐grade, chronic inflammation that promotes the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Ironically, the formation of systemic and/or local, tissue‐specific insulin resistance upon inflammatory cell activation may actually be a protective mechanism that co‐evolved to repartition energy sources within the body during times of stress during infection. However, the point has been reached where a once beneficial adaptive trait has become detrimental to the health of the individual and an immense public health and economic burden. This article reviews the complex relationship between obesity, insulin resistance/diabetes, and inflammation, and although the liver, brain, pancreas, muscle, and other tissues are relevant, we focus specifically on how the obese adipose microenvironment can promote immune cell influx and sustain damaging inflammation that can lead to the onset of insulin resistance and diabetes. Finally, we address how substrate metabolism may regulate the immune response and discuss how fuel uptake and metabolism may be a targetable approach to limit or abrogate obesity‐induced inflammation.
Vegetation responses to long‐term alkaline cement dust pollution in Pinus sylvestris‐dominated boreal forests – niche breadth along the soil pH gradient
Authors: Paal Jaanus , Degtjarenko Polina , Suija Ave , Liira Jaan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow resilient is boreal forest vegetation growing on acidic podzols to the environmental change caused by alkaline kiln dust pollution? How adaptive is the vegetation, when species pool and time for dispersal do not limit? How constant is the species niche breadth along the soil pH gradient?LocationRegion of 30 km around the Kunda cement plant, northern Estonia (59°30′ N, 26°32′ E), which has been continuously polluted last 140 years.MethodsWe sampled 20 forest stands on sandy gleyic podzols at various distances from the pollution source, leeward and windward of prevailing winds. Data processing: principal components analysis for gradient generalization, indicator species analysis for grouping species along the pollution gradient and generalized linear model analyses to estimate species reaction to pollution, considering covariates.ResultsThe impact of alkaline dust accumulated over a century persisted despite resolute reductions of pollution. Forest soil conditions changed 10 km leeward and 5 km windward from the source: the litter pH level changed from 3.6 to 4.5 in unpolluted forests to 7.1–7.4 in the heavily polluted forests, and soil Ca content increased ten‐fold. Soil alkalization has induced a remarkable succession from typical boreal vegetation toward vegetation of boreo‐nemoral or calcareous habitats. We detected a linear increase of species richness from habitats on acidic soils (unpolluted) to newly formed alkaline soils (polluted habitats), reflecting the species pool composition and size, which is known to be large for calcicolous species. The establishment of several endangered calcicolous species shows the lack of dispersal limitation and points on their narrow soil pH niche. The niche breadth of species along the pH gradient varied among species, but only a few species appeared to be pH generalists.ConclusionsSpecies ranking along the pH and/or Ca gradients indicates (1) the existence of different ecological guilds in terms of ecological niche use, and (2) the formation of a new community is dictated by the tolerance level of each species. This supports the individualistic community assembly rule suggested by Gleason. We find that such polluted regions with disturbed communities have high scientific value as long‐term ecological experiments, but this might lead to conflict between the peculiar biodiversity complex and human well‐being.
Erythropoietin is involved in hemoprotein syntheses in developing human decidua
Authors: Shiota Mitsuru , Yasuda Yoshiko , Shimaoka Masao , Tsuritani Mitsuhiro , Koike Eiji , Oiki Masaaki , Matsubara Junko , Taketani Shigeru , Murakami Hitoshi , Yamasaki Harufumi , Okumoto Katsumi , Hoshiai Hiroshi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBefore establishment of feto‐placental circulation, decidua can synthesize hemoproteins to maintain oxygen homeostasis in situ. Using the human decidua of induced abortions ranging from 5 to 8 weeks of gestation, we determined the expression levels of erythropoietin, erythropoietin receptor, cytoglobin, myoglobin, embryonic‐, fetal‐ and adult hemoglobin mRNA by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis and identified their proteins by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Erythropoietin signaling was demonstrated in phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B pathway by Western blot, and the transcriptional factors for erythroid and non‐erythroid heme synthesis were examined by RT‐PCR analysis. In decidua, erythropoietin and its receptor mRNAs, erythropoietin receptor protein and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase, were expressed with a peak at 6 weeks of gestation. Moreover, the decidua during 5 to 8 weeks of gestation expressed embryonic, fetal and adult hemoglobins additionally cytoglobin and myoglobin at transcriptional and protein levels. The heme portion of these hemoproteins is considered to be synthesized by non‐erythroid δ‐aminolevulinate synthase. These hemoproteins were discernible especially in decidual cells concomitant with cytotrophoblast cells and macrophage in these developing decidua. Considering the different capacity for oxygen binding and dissociation among hemoglobins with the oxygen storage capacity for cytoglobin and myoglobin, these hemoproteins appear to play a role in oxygen demand in decidua in situ before development of feto‐placental circulation under the control of erythropoietin signaling.