bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodic limb movements in sleep are associated with stroke and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with renal failure
Authors: LINDNER ANETT , FORNADI KATALIN , LAZAR ALPAR S. , CZIRA MARIA E. , DUNAI ANDREA , ZOLLER REZSO , VEBER ORSOLYA , SZENTKIRALYI ANDRAS , KISS ZOLTAN , TORONYI EVA , MUCSI ISTVAN , NOVAK MARTA , MOLNAR MIKLOS Z. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPeriodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is prevalent among dialysed patients and is associated with increased risk of mortality. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of this disease in a sample of transplanted and waiting‐list haemodialysed patients. One hundred transplanted and 50 waiting‐list patients underwent polysomnography. Moderate and severe diseases were defined as periodic limb movements in sleep index (PLMSI) higher than 15 and 25 events h−1, respectively. The 10‐year coronary heart disease risk was estimated for all patients using the Framingham Score. Moreover, the 10‐year estimated risk of stroke was calculated according to the modified version of the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile. PLMS was present in 27% of the transplanted and 42% of the waiting‐list group (P = 0.094); the proportion of severe disease was twice as high in waiting‐list versus transplanted patients (32 versus 16%, P = 0.024). Patients with severe disease had a higher 10‐year estimated risk of stroke in the transplanted group [10 (7–17) versus 5 (4–10); P = 0.002] and a higher 10‐year coronary heart disease risk in both the transplanted [18 (8–22) versus 7 (4–14); P = 0.002], and the waiting‐list groups [11 (5–18) versus 4 (1–9); P = 0.032]. In multivariable linear regression models the PLMSI was associated independently with the Framingham cardiovascular and cerebrovascular scores after adjusting for important covariables. Higher PLMSI is an independent predictor of higher cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk score in patients with chronic kidney disease. Severe PLMS is less frequent in kidney transplant recipients compared to waiting‐list dialysis patients.
Selective responses of myenteric neurons to oxidative stress and diabetic stimuli
Authors: Voukali E. , Shotton H. R. , Lincoln J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Diabetes has a differential effect on different subpopulations of myenteric neurons. Our aim was to investigate an in vitro model to examine the pathways underlying the development of nerve changes in diabetes.Methods  The proportions of neuronal cell bodies containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and calbindin relative to the pan‐neuronal marker HuC/D were quantified in wholemount preparations of the myenteric plexus of adult rat ileum using double labeling immunohistochemistry. Preparations were maintained in culture for 24 h in the presence and absence of stimuli mimicking the diabetic environment including oxidative stress, carbonyl stress, high glucose and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Data were compared with the effect of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes in vivo.Key Results  Only oxidative stress in vitro produced the same pattern as observed in diabetes with an increase in VIP‐, decrease in nNOS‐, and no change in calbindin‐positive neurons. Carbonyl stress and high glucose caused an increase in VIP‐containing neurons without affecting nNOS expression. In contrast, exposure to AGEs only caused a decrease in nNOS‐positive neurons. Calbindin expression was unaffected by any of the stimuli. The effects of the stimuli were prevented by the antioxidant, α‐lipoic acid, or the carbonyl scavenger, aminoguanidine.Conclusions & Inferences  The results provide evidence that oxidative stress is the common factor in the development of neuronal changes in diabetes; however, the mechanism by which oxidative stress occurs depends on the individual subpopulation of myenteric neurons examined. The presence of calbindin appears to protect myenteric neurons against harmful stimuli.
International migration and gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gagnon Anita J. , McDermott Sarah , Rigol‐Chachamovich Juliana , Bandyopadhyay Mridula , Stray‐Pedersen Babill , Stewart Donna ,   for the ROAM Collaboration
Published: September 2011

SummaryGagnon AJ, McDermott S, Rigol‐Chachamovich J, Bandyopadhyay M, Stray‐Pedersen B, Stewart D, for the ROAM Collaboration. International migration and gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 575–592.Influxes of migrant women of childbearing age to receiving countries have made their perinatal health status a key priority for many governments. The international research collaboration Reproductive Outcomes And Migration (ROAM) reviewed published studies to assess whether migrants in countries of resettlement have a greater risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than women in receiving countries. A systematic review of the literature from Medline, Embase, PsychInfo and CINAHL from 1990 to 2009 included studies of migrant women and GDM. Studies were excluded if there was no cross‐border movement or comparison group or if the receiving country was not the country of resettlement. Studies were assessed for quality, analysed descriptively and meta‐analysed. Twenty‐four reports (representing >120 000 migrants) met our inclusion criteria. Migrants were described primarily by geographic origin; other relevant aspects (e.g. time in country, language fluency) were rarely studied. Migrants' results for GDM were worse than those for receiving‐country women in 79% of all studies. Meta‐analyses showed that, compared with receiving‐country women, Caribbean, African, European and Northern European women were at greater risk of GDM, while North Africans and North Americans had risks similar to receiving‐country women. Although results of the 31 comparisons of Asians, East Africans or non‐Australian Oceanians were too heterogeneous to provide a single GDM risk estimate for migrant women, only one comparison was below the receiving‐country comparison group, all others presented a higher risk estimate. The majority of women migrants to resettlement countries are at greater risk for GDM than women resident in receiving countries. Research using clear, specific migrant definitions, adjusting for relevant risk factors and including other aspects of migration experiences is needed to confirm and understand these findings.
Effects of lairage time after road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep
Authors: Liu H. W. , Zhong R. Z. , Zhou D. W. , Sun H. X. , Zhao C. S. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lairage time after 8 h road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep. A total of 84 Ujimqin male sheep (average body weight 27.5 kg, 6 months old) were randomly allotted to one of seven groups: one control group (untransported) and six lairage groups (8 h road transport with 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h lairage times respectively). No significant lairage time effects were observed on weight loss. Sheep in 48 h group showed lower hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and higher pH24 h than that in other groups. The total haem pigment contents in sheep meat rose and were higher in 24 and 48 h groups than that in the control group. After transport, sheep in 0, 2, 24 and 48 h groups showed higher serum creatine kinase activities, cortisol and glucose concentrations than that in control group. Sheep in lairage groups had higher serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels compared with the control sheep. Sheep in 48 h group showed significant higher packed cell volume, total protein and blood urea nitrogen than that in other groups. Compared with the control group, the white blood cell counts were higher in 0 and 48 h groups. The neutrophil counts in 24 or 48 h groups were higher than that in the control group. The opposite was true for lymphocyte counts. A 6–12 h lairage is recommended in terms of the present transported pattern.
Successful aging in individuals with schizophrenia dwelling in the community: A study on attitudes toward aging and preparing behavior for old age
Authors: Niimura Hidehito , Nemoto Takahiro , Yamazawa Ryoko , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Ryu Yonosuke , Sakuma Kei , Kashima Haruo , Mizuno Masafumi 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  ‘Successful aging’ in individuals with schizophrenia has been attracting attention. We examined two forward‐looking factors of successful aging among schizophrenia patients: ‘attitude toward aging’ and ‘preparing behavior for old age’.Methods:  Fifty‐seven middle‐aged and elderly schizophrenia patients with successful aging were identified using the Attitude toward Aging Scale, the Preparing Behavior for Old Age Scale, and assessments of their cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning and quality of life. A multiple regression analysis was used to detect determinants of attitude toward aging/preparing behavior for old age at that time (‘present’: community dwelling). We also analyzed predictors of successful aging using demographic/clinical data assessed 3 years previously (‘past’: residential care).Results:  The multiple regression analysis revealed that quality of life was a significant determinant: a higher quality of life was related to a more positive attitude toward aging and less active preparing behavior. The significant predictors of preparing behavior were quality of life and the length of the hospital stay: a longer hospital stay and a higher quality of life were related to less active preparing behavior.Conclusion:  Quality of life and the length of the hospital stay significantly contributed to forward‐looking factors of successful aging. Avoiding long hospitalization periods for patients with schizophrenia may lead to more active preparing behavior, but the improvement of quality of life may not be a sufficient condition. As schizophrenia patients have an optimistic attitude and insufficient preparing behavior, support to prepare such individuals for old age is required as part of community‐based psychiatric care strategies.
Combinational dormancy in seeds of Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae, tribe Sicyeae)
Authors: QU XIAOXIA , BASKIN JERRY M. , BASKIN CAROL C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSeeds with a water‐impermeable seed coat and a physiologically dormant embryo are classified as having combinational dormancy. Seeds of Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) have been clearly shown to have a water‐impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy [PY]). The primary aim of the present study was to confirm (or not) that physiological dormancy (PD) is also present in seeds of S. angulatus. The highest germination of scarified fresh (38%) and 3‐month dry‐stored (36%) seeds occurred at 35/20°C. The rate (speed) of germination was faster in scarified dry‐stored seeds than in scarified fresh seeds. Removal of the seed coat, but leaving the membrane surrounding the embryo intact, increased germination of both fresh and dry‐stored seeds to > 85% at 35/20°C. Germination (80–100%) of excised embryos (both seed coat and membrane removed) occurred at 15/6, 25/15 and 35/20°C and reached 95–100% after 4 days of incubation at 25/15 and 35/20°C. Dry storage (after‐ripening) caused an increase in the germination percentage of scarified and of decoated seeds at 25/15°C and in both germination percentage and rate of excised embryos at 15/6°C. Eight weeks of cold stratification resulted in a significant increase in the germination of scarified seeds at 25/15 and 35/20°C and of decoated seeds at 15/6 and 25/15°C. Based on the results of our study and on information reported in the literature, we conclude that seeds of S. angulatus not only have PY, but also non‐deep PD, that is, combinational dormancy (PY + PD).
Prognosis and characteristics of renal cell carcinoma in hemodialysis patients: Bilateral occurrence does not influence cancer‐specific survival
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Izuka Jyunpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Tomita Eri , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: September 2011

Objectives:  To compare characteristics and prognosis unilateral and bilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in hemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods:  Overall 246 HD patients who had undergone a radical nephrectomy for RCC were enrolled in this study. Unilateral RCC occurred in 201 patients, synchronous bilateral RCC in 15 and metachronous bilateral RCC in 30. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was accessed by the Kaplan–Meier method.Results:  Five‐year CSS was not significantly different between the two groups (unilateral, 90%; bilateral, 90%; P = 0.9509). In total 17 of the 201 patients (8.5%) with unilateral occurrence and four of the 45 patients (8.9%) with bilateral occurrence died from kidney cancer during the follow‐up period. The presence of acquired cystic disease of kidney (unilateral, 73%; bilateral 91%; P = 0.00319) and the mean duration of HD before surgery (unilateral: 157 ± 91 months, bilateral: 189 ± 83.5, P = 0.0319) were significantly different between the two groups. There were more multifocal tumors in bilateral than in unilateral occurrence (bilateral: 74%, unilateral: 30%, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in CSS according to HD duration before surgery (5‐year CSS >180 months 82%, ≤180 months 95%; P = 0.0004), tumor grade (G1 100%, G2 90%, G3 38%; P < 0.0001), and tumor size (>4 cm 75%, ≤4 cm 98%; P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  The type of occurrence of RCC, unilateral or bilateral, in HD patients does not appear to influence CSS. Patients with a longer duration of HD have to be followed up rigorously because they tend to have poor cancer prognosis.
From pattern to purpose: how comparative studies contribute to understanding the function of adult neurogenesis
Authors: Barker Jennifer M. , Boonstra Rudy , Wojtowicz Jan Martin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe study of adult neurogenesis has had an explosion of fruitful growth. Yet numerous uncertainties and challenges persist. Our review begins with a survey of species that show evidence of adult neurogenesis. We then discuss how neurogenesis varies across brain regions and point out that regional specializations can indicate functional adaptations. Lifespan and aging are key life‐history traits. Whereas ‘adult neurogenesis’ is the common term in the literature, it does not reflect the reality of neurogenesis being primarily a ‘juvenile’ phenomenon. We discuss the sharp decline with age as a universal trait of neurogenesis with inevitable functional consequences. Finally, the main body of the review focuses on the function of neurogenesis in birds and mammals. Selected examples illustrate how our understanding of avian and mammalian neurogenesis can complement each other. It is clear that although the two phyla have some common features, the function of adult neurogenesis may not be similar between them and filling the gaps will help us understand neurogenesis as an evolutionarily conserved trait to meet particular ecological pressures.
Molecular diversity of the foregut bacteria community in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Samsudin Anjas A. , Evans Paul N. , Wright André‐Denis G. , Al Jassim Rafat 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe molecular diversity of the foregut bacterial community in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Central Australia was investigated through comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences prepared from the foregut contents of 12 adult feral camels fed on native vegetation. A total of 267 full‐length 16S rRNA gene clones were examined, with 151 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified at a 99% species‐level identity cut‐off criterion. The prediction of actual diversity in the foregut of the dromedary camel using the Chaol approach was 238 OTUs, while the richness and evenness of the diversity estimated using Shannon index was 4.84. The majority of bacteria in the current study were affiliated with the bacterial phylum Firmicutes (67% of total clones) and were related to the classes Clostridia, Bacilli and Mollicutes, followed by the Bacteroidetes (25%) that were mostly represented by the family Prevotellaceae. The remaining phyla were represented by Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cynophyta, Lentisphaerae, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Sphirochaetes. Moreover, 11 clones of cultivated bacteria were identified as Brevundimonas sp., Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Prevotella sp. and Ruminococcus flavefaciens. The novelty in this foregut environment is remarkable where 97% of the OTUs were distantly related to any known sequence in the public database.
Microanatomy of the anterior uveoscleral outflow pathway in normal and primary open‐angle glaucomatous dogs
Authors: Samuelson Don , Streit Alison 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective  To compare the morphology of the uveoscleral (US) outflow pathway in normal and glaucomatous canines.Animals studied  10 normal beagles, 10 beagles with inherited primary open‐angle glaucoma, 4 cocker spaniels with spontaneous glaucoma.Procedures  Formalin‐preserved globes were sectioned tangentially and sagittally and treated with H&E, Masson’s trichrome, or elastin stains or analyzed by immunohistochemistry to visualize smooth muscle actin. Tissues associated with the US pathway were observed and compared using light microscopy.Results  Tangentially oriented sections clearly revealed spaces for the transport of aqueous humor at the junction of the posterior iridocorneal angle (ICA) and anterior ciliary body musculature (CBM). Within the external anterior‐most of the US pathway, the supraciliary space, distinct connective tissue cords and smooth muscle pegs fastened the ciliary body to the adjacent sclera. Compared to normal controls, glaucomatous eyes developed a robust scleral elastic sheath at the junction between the posterior ICA and the anterior CBM. In advanced glaucomatous beagles and cocker spaniels, a large amount of melanophores were seen in the US pathway and surrounding vasculature. Within the C8M of glaucomatous specimens, the smooth muscle bundles appeared fewer and separated by elastic‐rich ECM. Structures of the US pathway changed little with age.Conclusions  The anterior portion of the canine US pathway is well defined and appears to be altered little with age. However with glaucoma, changes of the US pathway were associated with its the elastic components, as well as the accumulation of melanophores. Collectively, these changes may have an effect on US outflow and, subsequently, aqueous humor dynamics.
The Vitis vinifera C‐repeat binding protein 4 (VvCBF4) transcriptional factor enhances freezing tolerance in wine grape
Authors: Tillett Richard L. , Wheatley Matthew D. , Tattersall Elizabeth A. R. , Schlauch Karen A. , Cramer Grant R. , Cushman John C. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryChilling and freezing can reduce significantly vine survival and fruit set in Vitis vinifera wine grape. To overcome such production losses, a recently identified grapevine C‐repeat binding factor (CBF) gene, VvCBF4, was overexpressed in grape vine cv. ‘Freedom’ and found to improve freezing survival and reduced freezing‐induced electrolyte leakage by up to 2 °C in non‐cold‐acclimated vines. In addition, overexpression of this transgene caused a reduced growth phenotype similar to that observed for CBF overexpression in Arabidopsis and other species. Both freezing tolerance and reduced growth phenotypes were manifested in a transgene dose‐dependent manner. To understand the mechanistic basis of VvCBF4 transgene action, one transgenic line (9–12) was genotyped using microarray‐based mRNA expression profiling. Forty‐seven and 12 genes were identified in unstressed transgenic shoots with either a >1.5‐fold increase or decrease in mRNA abundance, respectively. Comparison of mRNA changes with characterized CBF regulons in woody and herbaceous species revealed partial overlaps, suggesting that CBF‐mediated cold acclimation responses are widely conserved. Putative VvCBF4‐regulon targets included genes with functions in cell wall structure, lipid metabolism, epicuticular wax formation and stress‐responses suggesting that the observed cold tolerance and dwarf phenotypes are the result of a complex network of diverse functional determinants.
Going Global: The Transnationalization of Care
Authors: Yeates Nicola 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis article critically examines the contours of ‘care transnationalization’ as an ongoing social process and a field of enquiry. Care transnationalization scholarship combines structural understandings of global power relations with an emphasis on social interactions between defined actors in ways that keep sight of human agency, material welfare and wider social development. It has, however, tended to privilege particular forms, dynamics and sites of care transnationalization over others. The body of research on care labour migration, which is otherwise the most developed literature on care transnationalization to date, contains a number of biases and omissions in its coverage of border‐spanning relations and their mediation across country contexts. At the same time, other significant forms of care transnationalization, such as those involving consumer‐based care migration, corporate restructuring and the formation of care policy, have suffered from comparative neglect. Working towards an integrated agenda that addresses these diverse expressions of care transnationalization and how they ‘touch down’ in a range of sectoral, social and country contexts is of prime importance to policy research agendas directed at understanding the wider development impacts of processes of social and economic restructuring.
The Good, the Bad and the Confusing: The Political Economy of Social Care Expansion in South Korea
Authors: Peng Ito 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTRecent social policy reforms in South Korea indicate a progressive shift by a conservative government to modify the familialistic male breadwinner model that informs its welfare regime. The Korean government has demonstrated support for women through an increase in the provision, regulation and coordination of childcare and workplace support programmes for working parents. At the same time, labour market reforms have also created more pressures on women to seek and maintain paid work outside the home. Conflicting social and economic policy objectives have resulted in a confusing mix of policies, advancing and impeding gender equality at the same time. This contribution examines the recent family–work reconciliation policy reforms in Korea and discusses why these reforms may be good politics but a bad deal for women.