bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sea turtle bycatch and consumption in Egypt threatens Mediterranean turtle populations
Authors: Nada Mohamed , Casale Paolo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTurtle trade in the fish markets of Alexandria was reported up to the late 1990s, motivating conservation initiatives and enforcement of legal protection. To assess the current trade and bycatch levels in Alexandria and other ports we carried out an interview survey of 445 people in 2007, mostly fishermen and fishmongers, in 15 coastal cities and fishing ports along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The declared catch rates and official fishing fleet statistics suggest that captures of loggerhead Caretta caretta and green turtles Chelonia mydas are in the order of several thousands per year, possibly > 7,000 per year, mainly from trawling, longlining and set nets. Probably several hundred turtles die each year as a consequence of the high mortality rates typical of these fishing gears. In addition, most fishermen from Alexandria and some fishermen from other regions declared that they kill turtles for meat. Regulations and enforcement appear to be ineffective, as turtles are usually killed and consumed on board or only their meat is landed. Some turtles are still traded on the black market in some Alexandria fish markets. The overall mortality probably represents an unsustainable toll on the Mediterranean loggerhead and green turtle populations, and the perception of fishermen is that turtle numbers are declining. Mitigating the identified threats is thus urgent. In particular, intentional killing should be tackled through its cultural drivers, and measures to reduce bycatch mortality need to be tested and implemented.
Field surveys of the Vulnerable pygmy slow loris Nycticebus pygmaeus using local knowledge in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia
Authors: Starr Carly , Nekaris K.A.I. , Streicher Ulrike , Leung Luke K.-P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe pygmy slow loris Nycticebus pygmaeus is a little-studied primate endemic to Vietnam, Laos, southern China and eastern Cambodia. Our study aimed to gain local knowledge on the distribution and ecology of, and threats to, the species by interviewing hunters, traders and wildlife protection staff, and to verify this information using a spotlighting survey in three major reserves in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia. Encounter rates of pygmy loris were assessed along 29 transects (129.5 km), yielding observations of 26 individuals. Mean encounter rates were 0.40 km-1 in Seima Protection Forest, 0.10 km-1 in Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and 0.00 km-1 in Mondulkiri Protected Forest. Informants had knowledge of where populations occurred, their diet, sociality and habitat preferences. Widespread large population declines were reported and informants linked this to high hunting pressure, particularly in 2001 and 2002. In late 2008 and 2009 we resurveyed three transects that had high encounter rates in early 2008 and failed to detect any lorises. Local informants reported high hunting pressure during the previous wet season in two of these sites, and a gold mine development was underway in the third site. Urgent actions are required to address these population declines and to assess the conservation status of pygmy lorises throughout eastern Cambodia.
Female tiger Panthera tigris home range size in the Bangladesh Sundarbans: the value of this mangrove ecosystem for the species’ conservation
Authors: Barlow Adam C.D. , Smith James L.D. , Ahmad Ishtiaq U. , Hossain Abu N.M. , Rahman Mizan , Howlader Alam 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBasic information required to conserve wild tigers Panthera tigris is lacking for the Bangladesh Sundarbans. The objectives of this study were therefore to estimate tiger home range size and obtain information on movement. Two adult female tigers were captured in the south-east of the Sundarbans and fitted with global positioning system collars. Mean home range sizes for the two tigers estimated with 95% minimum convex polygon and fixed kernel methods were 12.3 and 14.2 km2, respectively. A mean female home range size of 14.2 km2 would indicate a density for the south-east Sundarbans of seven adult females per 100 km2. The maximum distance moved by a tiger in 1 day was 11.3 km. Although preliminary these home range estimates indicate that the Sundarbans of Bangladesh has good quality tiger habitat relative to other tiger landscapes, highlighting the value of this mangrove ecosystem for the survival of this Endangered species.
Who is really at risk? Identifying risk factors for subthreshold and full syndrome eating disorders in a high-risk sample
Authors: Jacobi C. , Fittig E. , Bryson S. W. , Wilfley D. , Kraemer H. C. , Taylor C. Barr 
Published: January 2011

BackgroundNumerous longitudinal studies have identified risk factors for the onset of most eating disorders (EDs). Identifying women at highest risk within a high-risk sample would allow for focusing of preventive resources and also suggests different etiologies.MethodA longitudinal cohort study over 3 years in a high-risk sample of 236 college-age women randomized to the control group of a prevention trial for EDs. Potential risk factors and interactions between risk factors were assessed using the methods developed previously. Main outcome measures were time to onset of a subthreshold or full ED.ResultsAt the 3-year follow-up, 11.2% of participants had developed a full or partial ED. Seven of 88 potential risk factors could be classified as independent risk factors, seven as proxies, and two as overlapping factors. Critical comments about eating from teacher/coach/siblings and a history of depression were the most potent risk factors. The incidence for participants with either or both of these risk factors was 34.8% (16/46) compared to 4.2% (6/144) for participants without these risk factors, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.82.ConclusionsTargeting preventive interventions at women with high weight and shape concerns, a history of critical comments about eating weight and shape, and a history of depression may reduce the risk for EDs.
Quantitative trait prediction based on genetic marker-array data, a simulation study
Authors: Yip Wai-ki , Lange Christoph 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Motivation: Using simulation studies for quantitative trait loci (QTL), we evaluate the prediction quality of regression models that include as covariates single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers which did not achieve genome-wide significance in the original genome-wide association study, but were among the SNPs with the smallest P-value for the selected association test. We compare the results of such regression models to the standard approach which is to include only SNPs that achieve genome-wide significance. Using mean square prediction error as the model metric, our simulation results suggest that by using the coefficient of determination (R2) value as a guideline to increase or reduce the number of SNPs included in the regression model, we can achieve better prediction quality than the standard approach. However, important parameters such as trait heritability, the approximate number of QTLs, etc. have to be determined from previous studies or have to be estimated accurately.
Contact: wkyip@hsph.harvard.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Expectations of and reactions to disability and normality experienced by parents of children with intellectual disability in Sweden
Authors: Broberg M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground  Much research has been devoted to the emotional burdens of having a child with intellectual disability (ID), but very little of this has focused on the burdens imposed by negative public attitudes towards disability. Adjustment has primarily been thought of as adjustment to the actual disability rather than adjustment to attitudes or prejudices towards disability.Aim  The aim of the present study was to study expectations of and reactions to disability and normality experienced by parents of children with ID in their everyday life in Sweden.Research questions  Do the parents relate to the tragedy discourse and, if so, how? Do parents relate to other expectations and disability discourses and, if so, how? What subject positions do the discourses offer?Method  The analysis was based on 17 semi‐structured interviews with nine fathers and eight mothers of nine children with different IDs. The children were newly diagnosed and were from 6 months to 5 years of age.Results  Four discourses (tragedy and the lived experience, tragedy and the outsider perspective, the clinical gaze and the super‐parent ideal) and subject positions relating to these discourses are discussed.Discussion  The results of this study show that parents of young children with disabilities relate to a wide range of social processes and practices, which could be thought to affect their emotional well‐being and parental identity negatively.
The impact of school‐day variation in weight and height on National Child Measurement Programme body mass index‐determined weight category in Year 6 children
Authors: Routen A. C. , Edwards M. G. , Upton D. , Peters D. M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground  In England, the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) annually measures the weight and height of Year 6 schoolchildren (age 10–11 years). While measurement protocols are defined, the time of measurement within the school day is not. This study examined the impact of school‐day variation in weight and height on NCMP body mass index (BMI)‐determined weight category in Year 6 children.Methods  Standing height and weight were measured in morning and afternoon sessions in 74 children, boys (n= 34; height: 141.16 ± 7.45 cm; weight: 36.48 ± 9.46 kg, BMI: 18.19 ± 3.98 kg/m2) and girls (n= 40; height: 144.58 ± 7.66 cm; weight: 42.25 ± 11.29 kg; BMI: 19.97 ± 3.98 kg/m2) aged 11 ± 0.3 years.Results  In the whole sample, height decreased (Mean =−0.51 cm, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.64 cm, P= 0.01), weight did not change (Mdn = 36.40 to 36.35, P= 0.09) and BMI increased (Mdn = 18.04 to 18.13, P= 0.01). In girls weight increased (Mdn = 41.40 to 41.60, P= 0.01). BMI percentile increased (Mdn = 57th to 59.5th centile, P= 0.01). One girl increased in BMI category from morning to afternoon according to the clinical cut‐offs (≤2nd, >91st and >98th) and three girls increased BMI category according to the population monitoring cut‐offs (≤2nd, ≥85th, ≥95th).Conclusions  School‐day variation in height (and in girls alone, weight) impact upon increased BMI and BMI percentile in afternoon versus morning measurements in Year 6 children. Although not reaching statistical significance, resultant variation in categorization at the individual level may lead to unwarranted follow‐up procedures being initiated. Further research with larger samples is required to further explore the impact of daily variability in height and weight upon both clinical and population monitoring BMI‐determined weight status categorization in the NCMP.
Glucose homeostasis in patients with acromegaly treated with surgery or somatostatin analogues
Authors: Tzanela Marinella , Vassiliadi Dimitra A. , Gavalas Nikolaos , Szabo Andrea , Margelou Eleni , Valatsou Athina , Vassilopoulos Charalambos 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective  Long‐acting somatostatin analogues (SSA) are widely used for the treatment of acromegaly; however, they also alter β‐cell function by inhibiting insulin secretion. In this study, we assess the effect of SSA on glucose homeostasis in patients with acromegaly treated with SSAs, compared to patients treated with surgery.Design  We studied four groups of patients with acromegaly: at the time of diagnosis (group I, n = 53), after successful transsphenoidal surgery (TSS, group II, n = 30) and under successful SSA treatment (group III, n = 20); 22 patients were studied only before treatment, 19 only post‐treatment, while 31 patients (group IV) were studied before and after the treatment.Measurements  Patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Insulin sensitivity and β‐cell insulin secretion were estimated using appropriate mathematical models.Results  Control of acromegaly with either TSS or SSA improved insulin sensitivity as evident by significantly lower fasting and postglucose insulin levels and HOMA‐IR. In addition, patients of group III compared to patients of group II demonstrated significantly lower HOMA‐β% (52·5 ± 10·9 vs 189·6 ± 86·7, P < 0·05) and lower first and second phase insulin release (443 ± 83·5 vs 1077 ± 140·8, P < 0·05 and 150 ± 18·2 vs 285 ± 33·3, P < 0·05), respectively. Also, lower fasting glucose levels and a lower prevalence of diabetes were noted in group II compared to group III (5·1 ± 0·2 vs 6·2 ± 0·2 mm, P < 0·05, and 13·3%vs 40%, P < 0·0031, respectively).Conclusions  Control of acromegaly with SSA seems to exhibit a negative effect on pancreatic β‐cell function. Whether this has long‐term clinical implications remains to be established. Nevertheless, careful monitoring of glucose metabolism in patients under SSA is beneficial for their optimal management.
Salt in food processing; usage and reduction: a review
Authors: Albarracín William , Sánchez Iván C. , Grau Raúl , Barat José M. 
Published: February 2011

SummarySalt is one of the most widely used additives in food industries because of its low cost and varied properties. It has a preservative and antimicrobial effect as a direct consequence of the capacity of sodium chloride to reduce water activity values. In addition, sodium chloride is a flavour enhancer as a consequence of its effect on different biochemical mechanisms. It also has flavour enhancing effects from reducing or enhancing the enzymatic activity of some enzymes responsible for the development of different organoleptic parameters. Trends in sodium chloride use in food industries point to salt replacement or reduction by means of the use of sodium chloride substitutes such as KCl or phosphates; flavour enhancers and the optimisation of the physical form of salt. This trend has arisen as a result of the greater awareness of the negative effects of excess dietary intake of sodium, which has been linked to hypertension and consequently an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The average total daily sodium intake per individual in developed countries is 4–5 g of Na, which is up to 25 times greater than the minimum adult requirement.
Dyskeratosis congenita: a combined immunodeficiency with broad clinical spectrum – a single‐center pediatric experience
Authors: Jyonouchi S. , Forbes L. , Ruchelli E. , Sullivan K. E. 
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Jyonouchi S, Forbes L, Ruchelli E, Sullivan KE. Dyskeratosis congenita: a combined immunodeficiency with broad clinical spectrum – a single‐center pediatric experience. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 313–319.AbstractBackground:  Dyskeratosis Congenita (DKC) is a syndrome characterized by immunodeficiency, bone marrow failure, somatic abnormalities, and cancer predisposition resulting from defective telomere maintenance. The immunologic features of DKC remain under diagnosed and under treated despite the fact that immunodeficiency is a major cause of premature mortality in DKC.Methods:  This study undertook a retrospective review of 7 DKC patients diagnosed at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In parallel, we reviewed previously reported immunologic findings in DKC patients.Results:  Immunologic abnormalities (lymphopenia, low B‐cell numbers, hypogammaglobulinemia, and decreased T‐cell function) were the most frequent laboratory findings at initial presentation, preceding the development of significant anemia or thrombocytopenia. Recurrent sinopulmonary or opportunistic infections were present in 6/7 patients. Infant‐onset patients had more severe immunologic and somatic features (particularly severe enteropathy).Conclusion:  In DKC, development of immunologic abnormalities can precede bone marrow failure, highlighting the importance of proper immunodeficiency management to minimize morbidity and premature mortality in this disease.
Real‐life epidemiology of food allergy testing in Finnish children
Authors: Pyrhönen Kaisa , Hiltunen Liisa , Näyhä Simo , Läärä Esa , Kaila Minna 
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Pyrhönen K, Hiltunen L, Näyhä S, Läärä E, Kaila M. Real‐life epidemiology of food allergy testing in Finnish children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 361–368.AbstractBackground:  The cumulative incidence of parental‐reported symptoms of food allergy (FA) during the first years of life is estimated to exceed 30%. However, the occurrence and determinants of FA testing in a general child population have remained unknown.Methods:  The study population comprised all 5920 children aged 0–4 yr in the province of South Karelia, Finland, identified from the nationwide population register. The study included a questionnaire survey and a retrospective collection of FA test results (skin prick tests, IgE antibodies, or open food challenges) from the patient records of the entire study population. The questionnaire and patient record data were linked together on an individual basis with the parents’ permission.Results:  A total of 5849 FA tests had been performed on 961 children. By the age of 4 yr, the cumulative incidence of FA testing was 18% for any food item; 17% for essential items (milk, egg, cereals) and 9% for other food items. Essential food items had been tested in 90% of children who reportedly had a physician‐diagnosed FA for these. The incidence of testing was 30% higher in boys than in girls and twofold higher among the offspring whose either or both parents reportedly had some allergic manifestation.Conclusions:  A large proportion of children are subjected to FA testing in their early years. This result shows the need to evaluate the financial burden of FA testing and to improve current testing practices.
Human sleep/wake regulation
Authors: Gillberg Mats 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe present paper gives a short overview on what is known about human sleep/wake regulation and focuses on two main component, the homeostatic component and the circadian. The homeostatic components increases sleep need exponentially as a function of prior wakefulness whereas the circadian component is a consequence of the 24‐hour physiological rhythm facilitating sleep during the night and counteracting sleep during the day. Normally, these components interact, in an additive way. This interaction has been described in mathematical models that can be used to predict sleep duration, depth of sleep and the level of alertness given the knowledge of circadian phase and prior time awake.
On a novel MRI technique (OMRI) for the determination of tissue parameters
Authors: Leunbach Ib 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn clinical diagnostic medicine the assessment of key physiological tissue parameters is important.OMRI is a novel ultra‐low field MR‐technology taking advantage of the Overhauser effect in order to enhance the signal.However, the technology further enables the visualization of tissue oxygen due to its interaction with an administrated CM.Experimental results from rats show morphological images of high resolution and further the alternation of tissue oxygen as a function of various external physiological conditions.It is believed that the novel technique enables and expands bed‐side diagnosis.
Preparation of different types of miso with mixture of starters and their effects on endogenous antioxidant of liver and kidney of mice
Authors: El‐Shenawy N. S. , Abu Zaid A. , Amin G. A. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of feeding the male mice with miso that was prepared with a mixture of microbial starters on the level of lipid peroxidation as a marker of oxidative stress, antioxidant power of hepatocytes, the enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant. The starters that were used in the preparation of miso were Aspergillus oryzae and Pleurotus ostreaus or A. oryzae and Bacillus subtilis. The miso that was prepared with A. oryzae and Bacillus subtilis has more effect on suppressing the oxidative stress and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant of hepatocytes and renal tissue of mice.
From small beginnings: The euthanasia of children with disabilities in Nazi Germany
Authors: Hudson Lee 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAlthough they are the lesser known Nazi atrocities, it is estimated that some 5000–8000 children with physical and intellectual disabilities were killed in Nazi Germany under a programme of euthanasia. Chronologically, they were a precedent, being the Nazis' first organised and systematic killing programme that would later enlarge to include adults with disabilities and ultimately, to the broader programme of racially motivated ‘euthanasia’ of the holocaust. The programme intimately involved medical staff, including a number of paediatricians, many of whom would go unpunished and continue to practice for many years after the war. This paper outlines the origins and development of the programme, examines how families were involved and affected and looks at what motivated the medical staff involved with the killing. The history of the Nazi child euthanasia programme has a number of important lessons for practicing doctors and health policy‐makers in the 21st century.
Perioperative management of transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Okamura Kikuo , Nojiri Yoshikatsu , Seki Narihito , Arai Yoichi , Matsuda Tadashi , Hattori Ryohei , Hasegawa Tomonori , Naito Seiji 
Published: January 2011

Objectives:  Various types of minimally invasive surgical treatments, including transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), are being carried out in Japan for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of the present study was to elucidate the current status of perioperative care for these treatments by carrying out a nationwide survey.Methods:  Assisted by the Japanese Endourology and ESWL Association, perioperative data from 157 institutions participating in this survey were collected and analyzed.Results:  This survey included 3918 patients undergoing TURP, 242 TUR in saline (TURis), 638 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), 90 holmium laser ablation (HoLAP) and 241 photoselective vaporization (PVP). Mean operative time was shorter in TURP (71 min) and longer in HoLEP (127). Although no transfusions were required in cases undergoing HoLAP or PVP, blood was frequently transfused in those undergoing TURis (25.6%), TURP (10.2%) and HoLEP (7.8%), and the difference was significant. During the hospital stay, the incidence of TUR‐syndrome, postoperative bleeding requiring bladder irrigation, acute urinary retention/difficulty on micturition and pad use at discharge was highest in TURP (2.3%), TURis (7.9%), HoLAP (16.7%) and HoLEP (15.1%), respectively. Two patients undergoing TURP died (0.05%). The shortest mean postoperative hospital stay was for PVP (1.6 days, even if the readmission rate within 90 days was the highest in this same group; 6.2%). Perioperative care during hospital stay varied among the five types of procedures.Conclusions:  This survey provides useful documentation on the current status of minimally invasive treatments for BPH in Japan. Complication rates for TURP are not significantly higher as compared with other procedures. Thus, TURP can still be considered as the gold standard for BPH treatment.