bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of adolescent weight status and central obesity in rural South Africa
Authors: Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W , Kahn Kathleen , Pettifor John M , Tollman Stephen M , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Norris Shane A 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate predictors of adolescent obesity in rural South Africa.DesignCross-sectional study. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured using standard procedures. Overweight and obesity in adolescents aged 10–17 years were assessed using the International Obesity Taskforce cut-offs, while the WHO adult cut-offs were used for participants aged 18–20 years. Waist-to-height ratio of >0·5 defined central obesity in those at Tanner stages 3–5. Linear and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors.SettingAgincourt sub-district, rural South Africa.SubjectsParticipants (n1848) were aged 10–20 years.ResultsCombined overweight and obesity was higher in girls (15 %) than boys (4 %), as was central obesity (15 % and 2 %, respectively). With regard to overweight/obesity, fourfold higher odds were observed for girls and twofold higher odds were observed for participants from households with the highest socio-economic status (SES). The odds for overweight/obesity were 40 % lower if the household head had not completed secondary level education. For central obesity, the odds increased 10 % for each unit increase in age; girls had sevenfold higher oddsv. boys; post-pubertal participants had threefold higher oddsv. pubertal participants; those with older mothers aged 50+ years had twofold higher oddsv. those whose mothers were aged 35–49 years; those in highest SES households had twofold higher oddsv. those in lowest SES households.ConclusionsIn rural South Africa, adolescent females are most at risk of obesity which increases with age and appears to be associated with higher SES. To intervene effectively, it is essential to understand how household factors influence food choice, diet and exercise.
Dose-dependent cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterol/phytostanol-enriched margarine in statin users and statin non-users under free-living conditions
Authors: Eussen Simone RBM , de Jong Nynke , Rompelberg Cathy JM , Garssen Johan , Verschuren WM Monique , Klungel Olaf H 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness (extent to which an intervention works in daily medical practice) of the use of phytosterol/phytostanol-enriched margarines to lower total and non-HDL cholesterol levels in users and non-users of statins.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingData were obtained from questionnaires on health and food intake from a population-based longitudinal cohort linked to pharmacy-dispensing records.SubjectsThe analysis included 3829 men and women (aged 31–71 years) who were examined during 1998–2002 and re-examined at 5-year follow-up during 2003–2007.ResultsRecommended doses of margarines were consumed by only 9 % of the subjects. Serum total cholesterol decreased by respectively −0·16 (95 % CI −0·26, −0·05) mmol/l, −1·40 (95 % CI −1·51, −1·30) mmol/l and −1·64 (95 % CI −1·91, −1·37) mmol/l in subjects who started to use phytosterols/phytostanols only, statins only or a combination of both compounds at some point in time between examination and re-examination, compared with subjects who did not start using phytosterols/phytostanols or statins. Cholesterol-lowering effects of the phytosterols/phytostanols were similar in statin users and statin non-users and increased with increasing intake of enriched margarine (no intake, 0; low intake, −0·017 (95 % CI −0·16, 0·13) mmol/l; medium intake, −0·089 (95 % CI −0·22, 0·038) mmol/l; high intake, −0·32 (95 % CI −0·50, −0·14) mmol/l).ConclusionsAlthough recommended intake levels of the enriched margarines were not reached by all persons, these data show that under customary conditions of use phytosterols/phytostanols are effective in lowering cholesterol levels in both statin users and non-users.
Valence band of Co/Cu thin film studied with synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Banik Soma , Deb S. K. , Barman S. , Das G. P. , Phase D. M. , Rai S. K. 
Published: March 2011

The electronic structure of Co (100 Å)/Cu (50 Å) bilayer film on Si(100) has been investigated using valence band photoemission at 50 eV. The aim is to understand the Co/Cu interface and the nature of intermixing in Co and Cu layers. The valence band of Co/Cu interface shows three features at −0.3, −1.17 and −1.9 eV binding energy. The experimental observations are explained with the help of calculations based on projected augmented wave pseudopotential method using density functional theory. The origin of −0.3 eV feature is mainly due to the Co 3d minority spin states while the features at −1.17 and −1.9 eV are due to the formation of Co and Co–Cu mixed nanoclusters at the interface.
Electronic structure of CeAg2Ge2 studied by resonant and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Banik Soma , Deb S. K. , Chakrabarti A. , Thamizhavel A. , Phase D. M. , Jha S. N. 
Published: March 2011

The electronic structure of CeAg2Ge2 single crystal has been investigated by using resonant valence band photoemission and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy at different photon energies. Resonant photoemission has been observed near the 4d threshold of Ce at 121 eV. The constant initial state spectra show two photoemission features having 4f character near the Fermi level that exhibits Fano-like sharp resonance profile. Experimental energy bands have been mapped from the normal-emission photoelectron spectra of CeAg2Ge2 (001) surface along the Γ–Z direction. Four photoemission features are observed to show the dispersion related to the Ce 4f states and the hybridized Ag 4d with Ge 4p states. The experimental spectra have been interpreted with the help of calculations based on full potential linear augmented plane wave method using density functional theory.
Potato virus M in Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) in New York State
Authors: Perry K. L. , McLane H. 
Published: March 2011

Potato virus M (PVM) was detected in upstate New York in two plants of the widely naturalized, weedy perennial Solanum dulcamara. The virus was detected with a macroarray assay for potato viruses (1). Amplified, complimentary DNAs from the two isolates hybridized to 5 and 7 of the 15 oligonucleotide probes for PVM. Testing of the samples by double-antibody sandwich-ELISA using PVM-specific antibodies (Agdia, Elkhart, IN) showed a clear positive result. Sequence information for a 118-bp genomic region was obtained by amplification using carlavirus-specific primers (2) (GenBank Accession No. HQ446853). Comparison with a reference PVM genome (GenBank Accession No. NC_001361) showed that the sequence corresponded to nucleotide positions 8418 to 8533 with 86% identity. The infected plants were symptomless and collected from two sites, 50 miles apart. One site was a weedy roadside location in Tompkins County in 2009, while the second was from a hedgerow in a (non-potato) vegetable production area of Ontario County in 2010. The virus could be detected throughout the growing season in this perennial host. PVM was reported from S. dulcamara L. in Hungary and described as being found frequently from a diversity of habitats (3). Importantly, the virus was transmitted via tubers and by Myzus persicae with low efficiency (3). These results suggest that the virus may be endemic in S. dulcamara in the northeastern United States and this host may serve as a reservoir for the virus from which it could move into potato. To our knowledge, PVM has not been reported in this host in North America. References: (1) B. Agindotan and K. L. Perry. Plant Dis. 92:730, 2008. (2) J. Badge et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 102:305, 1996. (3) P. Salamon. Eur. Assoc. Pot. Res. Virol. Sect. Meet. 42:121, 2006.
The Physiological Role of Ascorbate as Photosystem II Electron Donor: Protection against Photoinactivation in Heat-Stressed Leaves
Authors: Tóth Szilvia Z. , Nagy Valéria , Puthur Jos T. , Kovács László , Garab Győző 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Previously, we showed that ascorbate (Asc), by donating electrons to photosystem II (PSII), supports a sustained electron transport activity in leaves in which the oxygen-evolving complexes were inactivated with a heat pulse (49°C, 40 s). Here, by using wild-type, Asc-overproducing, and -deficient Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants (miox4 and vtc2-3, respectively), we investigated the physiological role of Asc as PSII electron donor in heat-stressed leaves (40°C, 15 min), lacking active oxygen-evolving complexes. Chlorophyll-a fluorescence transients show that in leaves excited with trains of saturating single-turnover flashes spaced 200 ms apart, allowing continual electron donation from Asc to PSII, the reaction centers remained functional even after thousands of turnovers. Higher flash frequencies or continuous illumination (300 μmol photons m−2 s−1) gradually inactivated them, a process that appeared to be initiated by a dramatic deceleration of the electron transfer from TyrZ to P680+, followed by the complete loss of charge separation activity. These processes occurred with half-times of 1.2 and 10 min, 2.8 and 23 min, and 4.1 and 51 min in vtc2-3, the wild type, and miox4, respectively, indicating that the rate of inactivation strongly depended on the Asc content of the leaves. The recovery of PSII activity, following the degradation of PSII proteins (D1, CP43, and PsbO), in moderate light (100 μmol photons m−2 s−1, comparable to growth light), was also retarded in the Asc-deficient mutant. These data show that high Asc content of leaves contributes significantly to the ability of plants to withstand heat-stress conditions.
Use of Entero‐Test, a simple approach for non‐invasive clinical evaluation of the biliary disposition of drugs
Authors: Guiney William J. , Beaumont Claire , Thomas Steve R. , Robertson Darren C. , McHugh Simon M. , Koch Annelize , Richards Duncan 
Published: March 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT • Biliary secretion is often a major route of elimination of drugs and metabolites. Knowledge of the biliary disposition of a drug in man is important in understanding the contribution of this route to overall clearance and the potential for drug–drug interactions which may have clinical consequences.• Current methods for collecting human bile as part of drug disposition studies are invasive and complex, requiring intubation of the duodenum. As a result, limited data exist regarding the biliary elimination of many drugs and their metabolites. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This proof of utility study clearly demonstrates that bile samples for drug and metabolite analysis can be collected simply, safely and cost‐effectively from subjects using non‐invasive technology.• Using such technology, the biliary disposition of simvastatin was evaluated successfully in healthy subjects. Qualitative metabolite data compared favourably with reported biliary data derived from intubated patients dosed with radiolabelled simvastatin.• This technique has substantial utility for early clinical evaluation of biliary disposition of drugs.AIM To evaluate the non‐invasive collection of bile from healthy human subjects for the qualitative characterization of the biliary disposition of a drug, using spectrometric techniques.METHODS Twenty subjects underwent non‐invasive bile capture using a peroral string test (Entero‐Test) device prior to and following a single oral dose of simvastatin (80 mg). The device, consisting of a weighted gelatin capsule containing a highly absorbent nylon string, was swallowed by each subject with the proximal end of the string taped to the face. Once the weighted string was judged to have reached the duodenum, gallbladder contraction was stimulated in order to release bile. The string was then retrieved via the mouth, and bile samples were analysed for drug‐related material using spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques following solvent extraction.RESULTS Numerous metabolites of simvastatin were detected, and the major metabolites were consistent with those reported from studies where bile was collected using invasive techniques from patients dosed with [14C]‐simvastatin.CONCLUSIONS The results from this study demonstrate the utility of deploying the Entero‐Test in human studies to provide structural information on biliary metabolites. This can be readily applied in drug development studies, including those in the target patient population and may eliminate the need for more invasive sampling techniques.
Paracetamol in pregnancy and the risk of wheezing in offspring: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eyers S. , Weatherall M. , Jefferies S. , Beasley R. 
Published: March 2011

Cite this as: S. Eyers, M. Weatherall, S. Jefferies and R. Beasley, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 482–489.SummaryBackground
There is evidence to suggest that the risk of asthma might be increased with exposure to paracetamol in the intrauterine environment, infancy, later childhood and adult life.Objective
To review the evidence from studies investigating the association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and childhood asthma.Methods
A systematic review and meta‐analysis was undertaken of studies reporting the association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and subsequent asthma in childhood. The primary outcome variable was wheeze in the last 12 months. For tabulated raw data, not adjusted for confounders, random effects odds ratios (OR) were pooled by the inverse variance weighted method.Results
There were six studies identified that were included in the meta‐analysis. The age of children studied ranged from 30 to 84 months. The pooled random effects OR for the risk of current wheeze in the children of women who were exposed to any paracetamol during any stage of pregnancy was 1.21 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.44). Features of the studies variably included an association with paracetamol use during all trimesters of pregnancy and an association with persistent asthma, severe asthma, and with atopy.Conclusion and clinical relevance
The use of paracetamol during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. More research is urgently required to determine the impact of paracetamol during pregnancy on the risk of wheezing in offspring so that appropriate public health recommendations can be made.
The role of atorvastatin in regulating the immune response leading to vascular damage in a model of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Blankier S , McCrindle B W , Ito S , Yeung R S M 
Published: March 2011

SummarySuperantigens have been implicated in a number of diseases including Kawasaki disease (KD), a multi-system vasculitis resulting in coronary artery aneurysms. We have characterized a murine disease model in which coronary arteritis is induced by a novel superantigen found in Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE). Using this animal model of KD, we have identified three pathogenic steps leading to coronary artery aneurysm formation. These steps include T cell activation and proliferation, production of the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), an elastolytic protease. In addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) coenzyme A (CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have pleotropic immunomodulatory properties. Thus, we examined the effect of atorvastatin in modulating each of these three critical pathogenic processes leading to aneurysm formation in the disease model. Atorvastatin inhibited lymphocyte proliferation in response to superantigen stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition was also observed for production of soluble mediators of inflammation including interleukin (IL)-2 and TNF-α. The inhibitory effect on proliferation was rescued completely by mevalonic acid, confirming that the mechanism responsible for this inhibitory activity on immune activation was inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. Similarly, TNF-α-induced MMP-9 production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in response to atorvastatin. Inhibition of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation appears to be the mechanism responsible for inhibition of MMP-9 production. In conclusion, atorvastatin is able to inhibit critical steps known to be important in the development of coronary aneurysms, suggesting that statins may have therapeutic benefit in patients with KD.
Artificial neural network forward modelling and inversion of electrokinetic logging data
Authors: Ardjmandpour N. , Pain C. , Singer J. , Saunders J. , Aristodemou E. , Carter J. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTAn artificial neural network method is proposed as a computationally economic alternative to numerical simulation by the Biot theory for predicting borehole seismoelectric measurements given a set of formation properties. Borehole seismoelectric measurements are simulated using a finite element forward model, which solves the Biot equations together with an equation for the streaming potential. The results show that the neural network method successfully predicts the streaming potentials at each detector, even when the input pressures are contaminated with 10% Gaussian noise. A fast inversion methodology is subsequently developed in order to predict subsurface material properties such as porosity and permeability from streaming potential measurements. The predicted permeability and porosity results indicate that the method predictions are more accurate for the permeability predictions, with the inverted permeabilities being in excellent agreement with the actual permeabilities. This approach was finally verified by using data from a field experiment. The predicted permeability results seem to predict the basic trends in permeabilities from a packer test. As expected from synthetic results, the predicted porosity is less accurate. Investigations are also carried out to predict the zeta potential. The predicted zeta potentials are in agreement with values obtained through experimental self potential measurements.
Nurses’ wishes, knowledge, attitudes and perceived barriers on implementing research findings into practice among graduate nurses in Austria
Authors: Breimaier Helga E , Halfens Ruud JG , Lohrmann Christa 
Published: March 2011

Aims.  To identify and describe nurses’ wishes, needs, knowledge and attitudes to nursing research, as well as perceived barriers to and facilitators of research utilisation in nursing practice in Austria.Background.  Research results are not always used in daily nursing practice, despite their potential to improve nursing care quality. A variety of factors impede their implementation and use. Nurses’ wishes about research utilisation have scarcely been reported. No data are available yet from an Austrian perspective.Design.  Descriptive and exploratory cross‐sectional survey.Methods.  The study was conducted in an Austrian university hospital in May 2007, including all graduate nurses (n = 1825). One thousand and twenty‐three nurses returned the self‐reported questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed initially, then group comparisons (diploma <2001, ≥2001) were computed inferentially using the chi‐square test.Results.  Nurses’ most frequently indicated wishes regarding research implementation were adequate information, structural availability and professional support. Special points of interest were topics concerning nursing phenomena and interventions. Nurses’ needs related to education in nursing science/research and its implementations were indicated as being predominantly of an introductory manner. Overall, nurses’ attitudes tended to the negative. The top three named barriers to research utilisation were lack of time (69·9%), lack of information/knowledge (45·4%) and lack of interest (25·9%). Ten statistically significant differences were found between nurses of the two compared diploma groups.Conclusions.  Participating nurses perceived a lack in sufficient education/information and adequate organisational support, impeding them to use research results in daily practice.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results provide important insights into the matter of nurses’ needs regarding the use and/or implementation of research results in practice, as well as about the promotion of positive attitudes towards research and its utilisation. These findings are of special interest to nurse educators, employers and countries introducing nursing science to improve the clinical outcomes for patients.
Living with life insurance: a qualitative analysis of the experience of male implantable defibrillator recipients in Spain
Authors: Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Losa Marta E , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Salvadores‐Fuentes Paloma 
Published: March 2011

Background and objectives.  The implantation of defibrillators should not be studied simply on the basis of clinical improvement or quality of life: it is also important to understand the significance, which the recipients attach to the defibrillator and their experiences with it. The aim of this work was, therefore, to determine the experience of Spanish implantable defibrillator recipients.Design.  A qualitative phenomenological study.Methods.  Purposeful sampling of male implantable defibrillator recipients older than 18 years of age attended at the defibrillator consultancy at the Hospital Fuenlabrada or belonging to the Heart Patients’ Association (Asociación de Pacientes Coronarios, APACOR). A secondary, theoretical sampling was also carried out to gain a more in‐depth understanding of certain aspects identified in the first sampling, such as living with the discharges and difficulties during sexual activity. Data were collected using unstructured and semi‐structured questionnaires and applying a question guide, field notes and the recipients’ personal diaries/letters. Data collection was terminated once theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analysed using the Giorgi method. Finally, the seven themes, which showed what it means to be an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator recipient, were described.Results.  The defibrillator is perceived positively and is considered to be a form of life insurance, whereas the discharges are a limiting factor. The recipient’s outlook on life changes. Acceptance of the changes resulting from the implant leads to the development of strategies to facilitate everyday life.Conclusions.  An understanding of the significance attached by recipients to their disease, diagnosis and treatment allows their behaviour and expectations to be understood.Relevance to clinical practice.  Provide the basis for nursing assessment after discharge, understand the effects of the device in the recipient and track the process of adapting the recipient to daily life.