bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful hydraulic strategies to start up OLAND sequencing batch reactors at lab scale
Authors: Schaubroeck Thomas , Bagchi Samik , De Clippeleir Haydée , Carballa Marta , Verstraete Willy , Vlaeminck Siegfried E. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryOxygen‐limited autotrophic nitrification/denitrification (OLAND) is a one‐stage combination of partial nitritation and anammox, which can have a challenging process start‐up. In this study, start‐up strategies were tested for sequencing batch reactors (SBR), varying hydraulic parameters, i.e. volumetric exchange ratio (VER) and feeding regime, and salinity. Two sequential tests with two parallel SBR were performed, and stable removal rates > 0.4 g N l−1 day−1 with minimal nitrite and nitrate accumulation were considered a successful start‐up. SBR A and B were operated at 50% VER with 3 g NaCl l−1 in the influent, and the influent was fed over 8% and 82% of the cycle time respectively. SBR B started up in 24 days, but SBR A achieved no start‐up in 39 days. SBR C and D were fed over 65% of the cycle time at 25% VER, and salt was added only to the influent of SBR D (5 g NaCl l−1). Start‐up of both SBR C and D was successful in 9 and 32 days respectively. Reactor D developed a higher proportion of small aggregates (0.10–0.25 mm), with a high nitritation to anammox rate ratio, likely the cause of the observed nitrite accumulation. The latter was overcome by temporarily including an anoxic period at the end of the reaction phase. All systems achieved granulation and similar biomass‐specific nitrogen removal rates (141–220 mg N g−1 VSS day−1). FISH revealed a close juxtapositioning of aerobic and anoxic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AerAOB and AnAOB), also in small aggregates. DGGE showed that AerAOB communities had a lower evenness than Planctomycetes communities. A higher richness of the latter seemed to be correlated with better reactor performance. Overall, the fast start‐up of SBR B, C and D suggests that stable hydraulic conditions are beneficial for OLAND while increased salinity at the tested levels is not needed for good reactor performance.
Decreased blood pressure with a corresponding decrease in adhesive molecules in diabetic rats caused by vitamin E administration
Authors: Shirpoor Alireza , Khadem Ansari Mohammad‐Hasan , Heshmatian Behnam , Ilkhanizadeh Behrouz , Noruzi Leila , Abdollahzadeh Naseh , Saboory Ehsan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Hypertension is one of the important clinical problems of diabetic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E on blood pressure parameters and adhesive molecule amounts in diabetic rats.Methods:  Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (each of n = 8): the controls (C), non‐treated diabetic (NTD), and vitamin E treated diabetic (VETD) groups. A single intraperitoneal injection of buffered streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in cold sodium citrate (pH 4.5) was used to induce diabetes. The VETD group received 300 mg of vitamin E daily intragastrically for 6 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, as well as the dicrotic pressure, crest time, systolic and diastolic periods, and plasma levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin were measured after 6 weeks.Results:  The results revealed that there was a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, crest time, systolic duration, and the amount of sICAM‐1 and E‐selectin in diabetic rats. There was no significant difference in the heart rate or cardiac cyclic duration among the different groups. Significant improvement of blood pressure parameters as well as attenuation of the elevated ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin amounts was found in the vitamin E treated group.Conclusions:  These findings indicate that vitamin E significantly improved blood pressure elevation in diabetic rats and that these effects could be associated with reducing adhesive molecule and antioxidant properties of vitamin E.
Reducing post-caesarean surgical wound infection rate: an improvement project in a Norwegian maternity clinic
Authors: Dyrkorn Ole A , Kristoffersen Marit , Walberg Mette 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundDuring 2006 and 2007 the rate of caesarean section surgical wound infection was 17,4 % in Baerum Hospital.ObjectiveThe objective was to reduce the incidence to below the Norwegian national level of 8 %.DesignThe intervention (a quality improvement project) was implemented in September 2008. A bundle of measures were introduced. Staff from all aspects of patient flow was recruited. Cochrane literature was used as gold standard. Data registration was based upon CDC criteria. Results were based on data collected through the Norwegian national surveillance system for infections in health care, NOIS.Study settingThis Maternity clinic has about 2500 births annually and a caesarean section rate pushing 15 %.Patient groupThe study was conducted on caesarean section patients registered in NOIS (2008–2010). From September 2009 data were harvested continuously.AssessmentData were monitored as cumulative incidence rate and by statistical process control as g chart (number of surgeries between infections including a delayed moving average). Infection control staff reported results to Head of Maternity Clinic monthly.ResultsThe overall rate of caesarean section surgical wound infections was significantly reduced to 3,1 % (2008-2010 about 1 % in 2010). This result was demonstrated elegantly as a marked shift in process in g-chart. We found the g-chart was efficient, sensitive and simple to handle.
Optical Imaging with Her2-Targeted Affibody Molecules Can Monitor Hsp90 Treatment Response in a Breast Cancer Xenograft Mouse Model
Authors: van de Ven Stephanie M.W.Y. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Chan Carmel T. , Miao Zheng , Cheng Zhen , De Abhijit , Gambhir Sanjiv S. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether optical imaging can be used for in vivo therapy response monitoring as an alternative to radionuclide techniques. For this, we evaluated the known Her2 response to 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin hydrochloride (17-DMAG) treatment, an Hsp90 inhibitor.
Experimental Design: After in vitro 17-DMAG treatment response evaluation of MCF7 parental cells and 2 HER2-transfected clones (clone A medium, B high Her2 expression), we established human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice (only parental and clone B) for in vivo evaluation. Mice received 120 mg/kg of 17-DMAG in 4 doses at 12-hour intervals intraperitonially (n = 14) or PBS as carrier control (n = 9). Optical images were obtained both pretreatment (day 0) and posttreatment (day 3, 6, and 9), always 5 hours postinjection of 500 pmol of anti-Her2 Affibody-AlexaFluor680 via tail vein (with preinjection background subtraction). Days 3 and 9 in vivo optical imaging signal was further correlated with ex vivo Her2 levels by Western blot after sacrifice.
Results: Her2 expression decreased with 17-DMAG dose in vitro. In vivo optical imaging signal was reduced by 22.5% in clone B (P = 0.003) and by 9% in MCF7 parental tumors (P = 0.23) 3 days after 17-DMAG treatment; optical imaging signal recovered in both tumor types at days 6 to 9. In the carrier group, no signal reduction was observed. Pearson correlation of in vivo optical imaging signal with ex vivo Her2 levels ranged from 0.73 to 0.89.
Conclusions: Optical imaging with an affibody can be used to noninvasively monitor changes in Her2 expression in vivo as a response to treatment with an Hsp90 inhibitor, with results similar to response measurements in positron emission tomography imaging studies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1073–81. ©2012 AACR.
Simultaneous measurement of adenosine triphosphate release and aggregation potentiates human platelet aggregation responses for some subjects, including persons with Quebec platelet disorder
Authors: Hayward Catherine P. M. , Moffat Karen A. , Castilloux Jean-Francois , Liu Yang , Seecharan Jodi , Tasneem Subia , Carlino Stephen , Cormier Anik , Rivard Georges E. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPlatelet aggregometry and dense granule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release assays are helpful to diagnose platelet disorders. Some laboratories simultaneously measure aggregation and ATP release using Chronolume®, a commercial reagent containing D-luciferin, firefly luciferase and magnesium. Chronolume® can potentiate sub-maximal aggregation responses, normalising canine platelet disorder findings. We investigated if Chronolume® potentiates human platelet aggregation responses after observing discrepancies suspicious of potentiation. Among patients simultaneously tested by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) on two instruments, 18/43 (42%), including 14/24 (58%) with platelet disorders, showed full secondary aggregation with one or more agonists only in tests with Chronolume®. As subjects with Quebec platelet disorder (QPD) did not show the expected absent secondary aggregation responses to epinephrine in tests with Chronolu-me®, the reason for the discrepancy was investigated using samples from 10 QPD subjects. Like sub-threshold ADP (0.75 μM), Chronolume® significantly increased QPD LTA responses to epinephrine (p<0.0001) and it increased both initial and secondary aggregation responses, leading to dense granule release. This potentiation was not restricted to QPD and it was mimicked adding 1–2 mM magnesium, but not D-luciferin or firefly luciferase, to LTA assays. Chronolume® potentiated the ADP aggregation responses of QPD subjects with a reduced response. Furthermore, it increased whole blood aggregation responses of healthy control samples to multiple agonists, tested at concentrations used for the diagnosis of platelet disorders (p values <0.05). Laboratories should be aware that measuring ATP release with Chronolume® can potentiate LTA and whole blood aggregation responses, which alters findings for some human platelet disorders, including QPD.
Incidence and Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries: 1993–2007
Authors: Piccini Jonathan P. , Hammill Bradley G. , Sinner Moritz F. , Jensen Paul N. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Heckbert Susan R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Curtis Lesley H. 
Published: January 2012

Background—
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and costly problem among older persons. The frequency of AF increases with age, but representative national data about incidence and prevalence are limited. We examined the annual incidence, prevalence, and mortality associated with AF among older persons.

Methods and Results—
In a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older diagnosed with AF between 1993 and 2007, we measured annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence of AF and mortality following an AF diagnosis. Among 433 123 patients with incident AF, the mean age was 80 years, 55% were women, and 92% were white. The incidence of AF remained steady during the 14-year study period, ranging from 27.3 to 28.3 per 1000 person-years. Incidence rates were consistently higher among men and white beneficiaries. The prevalence of AF increased across the study period (mean, 5% per year) and was robust to sensitivity analyses. Among beneficiaries with incident AF in 2007, 36% had heart failure, 84% had hypertension, 30% had cerebrovascular disease, and 8% had dementia. Mortality after AF diagnosis declined slightly over time but remained high. In 2007, the age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates were 11% at 30 days and 25% at 1 year.

Conclusions—
Among older Medicare beneficiaries, incident AF is common and has remained relatively stable for more than a decade. Incident AF is associated with significant comorbidity and mortality; death occurs in one-quarter of beneficiaries within 1 year.
Quality of life impairment in a community sample of women with eating disorders
Authors: Mond Jonathan , Hay Phillipa , Rodgers Bryan , Owen Cathy 
Published: January 2012

Objective: Studies of quality of life among individuals with eating disorders have relied almost exclusively on clinical samples. We examined impairment in quality of life in a community sample of women with eating disorders recruited as part of an epidemiological study. Methods: Measures of health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Physical and Mental Component Summary scales) and subjective well-being (WHOQOL-BREF Psychological Functioning and Social Relationships subscales) were completed by women with eating disorders ( n = 159), primarily variants of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, and a comparison group of healthy women ( n = 232). Results: When compared with healthy women, women with eating disorders reported substantial impairment in aspects of quality of life relating to mental health, although item-level analysis indicated considerable variation in the extent to which specific aspects of emotional well-being were affected. Impairment in social relationship and in physical health was less pronounced and due, at least in part, to between-group differences in age, body weight and demographic characteristics. Impairment in certain aspects of perceived physical health was, however, apparent among women with eating disorders, even after controlling for between-group differences in body weight. Conclusions: Community cases of women with eating disorders experience marked impairment in quality of life as this relates to mental health functioning and at least some impairment in physical health functioning. Personality characteristics and ego-syntonic aspects of eating-disordered behaviour may complicate the interpretation of findings relating to impairment in specific aspects of quality of life.
Financial satisfaction and its relationship to depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Results from the FIN-D2D survey
Authors: Rautio Nina , Kautiainen Hannu , Koponen Hannu , Mäntyselkä Pekka , Timonen Markku , Niskanen Leo , Saaristo Timo , Oksa Heikki , Peltonen Markku , Puolijoki Hannu , Vanhala Mauno , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka 
Published: January 2012

Background: Studies using traditional measures of socio-economic position, such as education, income and occupation, have found inequalities in depressive symptoms, but less is known about the association between financial satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Aims: To examine the association of depressive symptoms with financial satisfaction in Finnish adults in a population-based cross-sectional FIN-D2D survey. Methods: Four thousand, five hundred randomly selected individuals aged 45–74 years were invited to the study. Participation rate for health examinations was 64%. Complete information on depressive symptoms and financial satisfaction was available for 2,819 individuals. Financial satisfaction was asked using a questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured by Beck Depression Inventory (≥ 10) and/or use of antidepressants. Results: Altogether 11.6% of individuals who were satisfied with their financial situation had depressive symptoms. Corresponding figures for individuals who were somewhat satisfied or dissatisfied were 20.6% and 42.6%, respectively. Individuals who were less satisfied with their financial situation were more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms even after adjusting for gender, age, marital status, number of chronic diseases, smoking, binge drinking, physical activity, education and household income. Conclusions: Instead of more traditional measures of socio-economic position, financial dissatisfaction seems to be associated with depressive symptoms in Finnish adults.
The Significance of Water in Sport and Weight Control
Authors: Naghii M.R. 
Published: January 2012

Intake of food and drink during exercise can be effective in enhancing performance, in so far as it prevents or ameliorates exercise-induced changes to body homeostasis. Loss of body fluids containing water and electrolytes during exercise is mostly by sweating. Sweat rates during a sporting event or activity will vary according to a number of factors, including the size of the athlete and his or her degree of acclimatization, the intensity of exercise, environmental conditions and the clothing worn. The mismatch of fluid intake and fluid losses may lead to a body water deficit. It has generally been considered that decreases in performance become apparent when hypohydration exceeds 2% of body weight; that performance decrements become substantial when fluid losses exceed 5% of body weight; and that when fluid losses approach 6–10% of body weight, heat stroke and heat exhaustion become life-threatening. Hypohydration also affects mental functioning. Therefore, the effect of hypohydration on real-life sport may be greater than that shown in laboratory studies of physiological performance.
Effect of Wainan Rogo on Body Weight and Plasma Glucose in Wistar Rats
Authors: Chibuzo Elizabeth C. , Ajayi Olufumilayo A. 
Published: January 2012

Wainan Rogo (WR) is a deep-fat fried dough made from grated fresh cassava. It was found in a cross sectional case-control study to have a risk factor 3.2 times higher in diabetic than non diabetic indigenes of Homo State of Nigeria. This study examines the chemical composition, and effects of WR on body weight and blood glucose in Wistar rats. The study found a higher fat and lower protein composition of the WR diet, and found a higher plasma glucose in the WR fed rats and a more significant weight loss in this group than in the control (CF) fed rats. The findings of this study seem to support the high risk for diabetes associated with WR in the cross sectional study. The chemical composition of WR and its effect on body weight and blood glucose are further discussed, with a call for further studies of the food as a marker in the search for the pathophysiology of Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM).
Nutritional Status of Public Primary School Children: A Comparison Between an Upland and Riverine Area of Ojo LGA, Lagos State Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Akande P.A. 
Published: January 2012

This cross sectional study was carried out to compare the nutritional status of public primary school children in an upland and a riverine area of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 240 children, 120 from each of the two areas. The study population for each area had an equal sex distribution (60 boys and 60 girls). Dietary, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory methods were employed. Using the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS/WHO) Reference values, a malnutrition prevalence of 20.8 and 30.81 for the upland and riverine populations respectively was found. There was a stunting in 15.8% of upland and 30.0% of riverine children; 3.3% and 1.7% of them were wasted, and 14.2% in the upland and 18.3% in the rural area were underweight. The mean weights and heights for boys and girls of different ages were lower for the riverine group, although no statistically significant differences were found. Anaemia occurred among 25.0% and 29.2% of the upland and riverine groups respectively. Intestinal helminth infection was found to be significantly associated with malnutrition. Ascaris had a prevalence of 46.7% in the upland and 63.3% in the riverine area. Trichuris had a prevalence of 15.0% and 19.2% in the upland and riverine area respectively. To address the malnutrition problem in these populations, efforts should be aimed at increasing food availability and quality, personal and environmental hygiene, supply of basic amenities, prevention and treatment of infection, and general living conditions of these populations.
Nutritional Status of Nursery School Children: A Comparison Between Lagos State (Southern Nigeria) and Jos, Plateau State (Northern Nigeria)
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Pearce A.P. 
Published: January 2012

This comparative study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of preschool children in the Southern part of Nigeria (Lagos) and los, Plateau State in the Northern part of Nigeria. A total of 393 nursery school children aged 24–77 months in 5 schools (3 in Jos, 2 in Lagos) were randomly selected by multistage sampling. Anthropometric data (height, weight and age) were taken from the subjects and dietary information, weaning and breastfeeding history and general socio economic data were obtained from the parents by administering questionnaires. Weight/Height Z-score (WHZ) differed significantly between Jos (3.0%) and Lagos (11.6%), while weight/age (WAZ) was found to have the same prevalence rate in both locations (2.5%) each. This WAZ score is the normal expected prevalence in a standard population of children. Height/Age Z-scores (HAZ) were not statistically different in both South and North, 2.5% HAZ < − 2.0 SO in Jos and 0.0% HAZ < − 2.0 SO in Lagos. The intestinal parasitosis rates in this study were as follows: in Jos, a 13.5% infection rate was found, and in Lagos, the infection rate was 8.8%.
A Suggested Method for the Prediction of the Oxidation Resistance of Low Density Lipoprotein by Determination of the Lag Time
Authors: Naghii M.R. 
Published: January 2012

A simple clinical blood test, which measures the total antioxidant status of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore its vulnerability to oxidative stress is suggested, and as a first stage this was tried on a small sample of eight healthy adult males. The body's natural defence and repair systems try to handle all free radicals, but these systems are not hundred percent effective. Thereby, the role of antioxidants (particularly natural antioxidants) becomes evident and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and compounds like beta-carotene are under especially extensive study. Vitamin C is the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant acting in extracellular fluid, while Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant, and it protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids within the LDL from oxidation and helps to prevent the process of atherogenesis. The determination of ‘lag-phase’ during continuous monitoring of oxidation of LDL in vitro is a convenient and objective procedure for determining the susceptibility of LDL from different donors towards oxidation as well as of pro- and anti-oxidants. The Lag-time for LDL samples, obtained from eight healthy adult males was found to be between 40–50 minutes. The measurement of this Lag-phase could be a highly promising routine method for measuring the total antioxidant status of LDL.