bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative importance of different lipid risk factors for the development of myocardial infarction at a very young age (≤ 40 years of age)
Authors: Goliasch Georg , Oravec Stanislav , Blessberger Hermann , Dostal Elisabeth , Hoke Matthias , Wojta Johann , Schillinger Martin , Huber Kurt , Maurer Gerald , Wiesbauer Franz 
Published: November 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (6): 631–636AbstractBackground  Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering has been established as one of the principal targets in preventive cardiology. Recently, assessment of LDL particle size and number as well as other lipid moieties has been presented as a more reliable method to quantify atherogenicity of the lipoprotein fractions. Thus, it was our aim to assess the influence of different lipoprotein fractions on premature myocardial infarction (≤ 40 years of age).Methods and results  We enrolled 302 patients into our multicentre case–control study, including 102 patients with myocardial infarction and 200 age‐, gender‐ and centre‐matched controls. The LDL and HDL Lipoprint® System were used for lipid subfraction quantification. The lipid risk factors most strongly associated with premature acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the adjusted model were non‐HDL C (OR 5·02, 95% CI 2·75–9·15, P‐value = 0·001), LDL‐C (OR 4·35, 95% CI 2·5–7·57, P‐value = 0·001), VLDL‐C (OR 3·66, 95% CI 2·14–6·28, P‐value = 0·001), large IDL‐C (OR 3·15, 95% CI 1·94–5·12, P‐value = 0·001), large LDL‐C (OR 3·67, 95% CI 2·19–6·15, P‐value = 0·001) and intermediate LDL‐C (OR 1·96, 95% CI 1·25–3·06, P‐value = 0·003). In contrast, small dense LDL was not significantly associated with premature myocardial infarction.Conclusion  Non‐HDL cholesterol is most strongly associated with premature coronary artery disease and could serve as preferred risk predictor and therapeutic target in this young patient population (≤ 40 years). Besides, VLDL, LDL‐C, large LDL, intermediate LDL and large IDL were significantly associated with premature myocardial infarction. Furthermore, our data suggest that risk prediction using small dense LDL particles might not be useful in young AMI survivors.
Medication safety: using incident data analysis and clinical focus groups to inform educational needs
Authors: Hesselgreaves Hannah , Watson Anne , Crawford Andy , Lough Murray , Bowie Paul 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Medication‐related safety incidents are a source of concern to patients, policy makers and clinicians. The role of education in improving safety‐critical practices in health care is poorly appreciated. This pilot study aimed to initiate collective discussion among professional groups of clinical staff about a range of medicine‐related patient safety issues which were identified from a local incident reporting system. In engaging staff to collectively reflect on reported medication incidents we attempted to uncover a deeper understanding of local contextual issues and potential educational needs.Methods  A mixed method study was conducted involving categorical analysis of 1058 medication incident reports (Phase 1) and the use of three mixed focus groups of clinical staff (Phase 2) in three acute hospitals in one locality in NHS Scotland.Results  Focus group transcript analysis produced four main themes (e.g. the medical role) and 12 related sub‐themes (e.g. pharmacological education and skill mix for administration of medicines) concerning medication‐related practices and possible educational interventions.Conclusions  While it is necessary to review reported incident data and disseminate the educational messages for the improvement of quality, this traditional risk management process is inadequate on its own. Reporting systems can be enhanced by collective examination of reported information about medicines by local clinical teams. We identified a strong message from the focus groups for learning about each other and from each other, and that the method piloted may be an important inter‐professional mechanism for improvement.
A meta‐analysis of hospital 30‐day avoidable readmission rates
Authors: van Walraven Carl , Jennings Alison , Forster Alan J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRationale and objectives  Urgent readmission to hospital is commonly used to measure hospital quality of care. Hospitals that measure the proportion of urgent readmissions judged avoidable need to know previously published rates for comparison. In this study, we generated a literature‐based estimate for the proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable for hospitals to use to gauge their performance in avoidable readmissions.Methods  We searched the Medline and Embase databases to identify published studies that reported the proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable. We then modelled the overall proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable.Results  We included 16 studies that used a wide variety of patients and a diverse range of methods to classify readmissions as avoidable. Studies reported a broad range for the proportion of urgent 30‐day readmissions deemed avoidable. Overall, 848 of 3669 readmissions (23.1%, 95% confidence interval, 21.7–24.5) of 30‐day urgent readmissions were classified as avoidable. This proportion varied significantly based on hospital teaching status and number of reviewers for each case [teaching hospitals: with one reviewer, 9.3% (4.2–19.3); with >1 reviewer, 21.6% (13.2–33.3); non‐teaching hospital: with one reviewer, 32.2% (11.4–63.9); with >1 reviewer, 39.9% (37.6–42.2)]. Significant heterogeneity remained between studies even after clustering studies by these covariates.Conclusions  Less than one in four readmissions were deemed avoidable. Health system planners need to use caution in interpreting all cause readmission statistics as they are only partially influenced by quality of care.
The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Ahmed Z. , Asi Y. T. , Sailer A. , Lees A. J. , Houlden H. , Revesz T. , Holton J. L. 
Published: November 2011

Z. Ahmed, Y. T. Asi, A. Sailer, A. J. Lees, H. Houlden, T. Revesz and J. L. Holton (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 4–24The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophyMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is an unrelenting, sporadic, adult‐onset, neurodegenerative disease of unknown aetiology. Its clinically progressive course is characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and/or autonomic dysfunction. Neuropathological examination often reveals gross abnormalities of the striatonigral and/or olivopontocerebellar systems, which upon microscopic examination are associated with severe neuronal loss, gliosis, myelin pallor and axonal degeneration. MSA is a member of a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders termed α‐synucleinopathies, due to the presence of abnormal α‐synuclein positive cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes, termed glial cytoplasmic inclusions. These are the hallmark neuropathological lesion of MSA and are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, neuropathological features of MSA are described in detail, along with recent advances in the pathophysiology and genetics of the disease. Our current knowledge of the expression and accumulation of α‐synuclein, and efforts to model the disease in vitro and in vivo, are emphasized in this paper and have helped formulate a working hypothesis for the pathogenesis of MSA.
Growth, respiration and nutrient acquisition by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae and its host plant Plantago lanceolata in cooled soil
Authors: KARASAWA T. , HODGE A. , FITTER A. H. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAlthough plant phosphate uptake is reduced by low soil temperature, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are responsible for P uptake in many plants. We investigated growth and carbon allocation of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae and a host plant (Plantago lanceolata) under reduced soil temperature. Plants were grown in compartmented microcosm units to determine the impact on both fungus and roots of a constant 2.7 °C reduction in soil temperature for 16 d. C allocation was measured using two 13CO2 pulse labels. Although root growth was reduced by cooling, AM colonization, growth and respiration of the extraradical mycelium (ERM) and allocation of assimilated 13C to the ERM were all unaffected; the frequency of arbuscules increased. In contrast, root respiration and 13C content and plant P and Zn content were all reduced by cooling. Cooling had less effect on N and K, and none on Ca and Mg content. The AM fungus G. mosseae was more able to sustain activity in cooled soil than were the roots of P. lanceolata, and so enhanced plant P content under a realistic degree of soil cooling that reduced plant growth. AM fungi may therefore be an effective means to promote plant nutrition under low soil temperatures.
Vertical gradient in soil temperature stimulates development and increases biomass accumulation in barley
Authors: FÜLLNER K. , TEMPERTON V. M. , RASCHER U. , JAHNKE S. , RIST R. , SCHURR U. , KUHN A. J. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTWe have detailed knowledge from controlled environment studies on the influence of root temperature on plant performance, growth and morphology. However, in all studies root temperature was kept spatially uniform, which motivated us to test whether a vertical gradient in soil temperature affected development and biomass production. Roots of barley seedlings were exposed to three uniform temperature treatments (10, 15 or 20 °C) or to a vertical gradient (20–10 °C from top to bottom). Substantial differences in plant performance, biomass production and root architecture occurred in the 30‐day‐old plants. Shoot and root biomass of plants exposed to vertical temperature gradient increased by 144 respectively, 297%, compared with plants grown at uniform root temperature of 20 °C. Additionally the root system was concentrated in the upper 10 cm of the soil substrate (98% of total root biomass) in contrast to plants grown at uniform soil temperature of 20 °C (86% of total root biomass). N and C concentrations in plant roots grown in the gradient were significantly lower than under uniform growth conditions. These results are important for the transferability of ‘normal’ greenhouse experiments where generally soil temperature is not controlled or monitored and open a new path to better understand and experimentally assess root–shoot interactions.
Diets enriched with a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product reinforce nocturnal behaviour in young and old animals of nocturnal (Rattus norvegicus) and diurnal (Streptopelia risoria) chronotypes
Authors: Delgado J. , Terrón Ma. P. , Garrido M. , Pariente J. A. , Barriga C. , Rodríguez A. B. , Paredes S. D. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe decline in melatonin secretion with age seems to be one of the major reasons for increased sleep disruption in older animals. Previously, we showed that the administration with melatonin or its precursor, tryptophan, improved activity/rest rhythms in aged individuals. Here, it was evaluated the effect of a 10‐day consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product (patent no. ES2342141B1), which contains high levels of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, on the activity/rest rhythms of young and old rats (Rattus norvegicus) and ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria) as representatives of animals with nocturnal and diurnal habits, respectively, and its possible relationship with the serum levels of melatonin and glucose. Total diurnal and nocturnal activity pulses were logged at control, during, and up to 3 days after the treatment. Melatonin and glucose were measured with ELISA and testing kits respectively. In both young and old rats, the intake of the cherry nutraceutical decreased diurnal activity, whereas nocturnal activity increased. The opposite effect was observed for ringdoves. The treatment increased the circulating levels of melatonin in both species and restored the amplitude of the activity rhythm in the old animals to that of the non‐treated young groups. The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product may help to counteract the impaired activity/rest rhythm found in aged animals.
In two waters: contemporary evolution of lagoonal and marine white seabream (Diplodus sargus) populations
Authors: González‐Wangüemert Mercedes , Pérez‐Ruzafa Ángel 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBrackish water ecosystems are often exposed to wide variations in environmental variables, including temperature and salinity, which may cause strong selective pressures on organisms modifying the genetic patterns of species. The aim of this work was to test whether there is a ‘divergence‐with‐gene flow’ in coastal lagoon populations of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) (Ria Formosa, S Portugal and Mar Menor, SE Spain) respect to four marine populations, by using partial sequences of cyt b mitochondrial gene and information from nine microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity was highest in both coastal lagoons (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) considering mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Although some of FST population pairwise comparisons were not significant, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) detected differences between groups (coastal lagoon and marine) close to significance. Also, only two haplotypes (Cytb‐17 and Cytb‐18) were detected in both coastal lagoon sampling sites and these localities (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) showed the highest number of singletons, some of them with a high number of mutations, as has been already described for other Mar Menor populations (Pomatochistus marmoratus and Holothuria polii). Also, several tests detected significant positive and balancing selection considering mtDNA and microsatellite data. These data support the hypothesis of selection as one of the drivers of the genetic differences found between coastal lagoon and marine populations. The life strategy adopted by Diplodus sargus in coastal lagoons allows it to decrease its mortality rate and improve the heritability of its genes. Also, the increase time spent in coastal lagoons with different temperatures and salinities favours the fitness selection and the maintenance of exclusive haplotypes and genotypes in coastal lagoon inhabitants favouring the ‘divergence‐with‐gene‐flow’.
The contribution of developmental palaeontology to extensions of evolutionary theory
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractEvo‐devo is featuring prominently in current discussion to extend evolutionary theory. Developmental palaeontology, the study of life history evolution and ontogeny in fossils, remains an area of investigation that could benefit from, but also illuminate, the discourse and research agenda of evo‐devo. Understanding how and why evolution proceeds in phenotypic space is an important goal of evo‐devo and one that can be significantly enriched through the examination of development in the fossil record (Palaeo‐evo‐devo). Such an approach permits developmental pathways to be extended into the past, constraining hypotheses of developmental evolution in ways that cannot be predicted by patterns observed from extant taxa alone. The comparison of developmental dynamics among extant and extinct taxa yields a more complete understanding of the temporal persistence of factors that shape evolution in phenotypic space. As more data are compiled that document ‘fossilized ontogenies’, a stage will emerge from which insights into the evolution of development can begin to appraise those phenotypes that are inaccessible to evo‐devo.
Drinking to our health: can beverage companies cut calories while maintaining profits?
Authors: Kleiman S. , Ng S. W. , Popkin B. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryCarbonated soft drinks and other beverages make up an increasing percentage of energy intake, and there are rising public health concerns about the links between consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and weight gain, obesity, and other cardiometabolic problems. In response, the food and beverage industry claims to be reformulating products, reducing package or portion sizes and introducing healthier options. Comparative analysis on various changes and their potential effects on public health are needed.We conduct a case study using the two largest and most influential producers of sweetened beverages, The Coca‐Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc., who together control 34% of the global soft drink market, examining their product portfolios globally and in three critical markets (the United States, Brazil and China) from 2000 to 2010. On a global basis, total revenues and energy per capita sold increased, yet the average energy density (kJ 100 mL−1) sold declined slightly, suggesting a shift to lower‐calorie products. In the United States, both total energy per capita and average energy density of beverages sold decreased, while the opposite was true in the developing markets of Brazil and China, with total per capita energy increasing greatly in China and, to a lesser extent, in Brazil.
New platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms causing maternal immunization and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Peterson Julie A. , Pechauer Shannon M. , Gitter Maria L. , Kanack Adam , Curtis Brian R. , Reese Jeff , Kamath Vasudeva M. , McFarland Janice G , Aster Richard H. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Maternal immunization against low‐frequency, platelet (PLT)‐specific antigens is being recognized with increasing frequency as a cause of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serologic and molecular studies were performed on PLTs and DNA from two families in which an infant was born with severe thrombocytopenia not attributable to maternal immunization against known PLT‐specific alloantigens.RESULTS: Antibodies reactive only with paternal PLTs were identified in each mother using flow cytometry and solid‐phase assays. Unique mutations encoding amino acid substitutions K164T in glycoprotein (GP)IIb (Case 1) and R622W in GPIIIa (Case 2) were identified in paternal DNA and in DNA from the affected infants. Each maternal antibody recognized recombinant GPIIb/IIIa mutated to contain the polymorphisms identified in the corresponding father. None of 100 unselected normal subjects possessed these paternal mutations.CONCLUSIONS: Severe NAIT observed in the affected infants was caused by maternal immunization against previously unrecognized, low‐frequency antigens created by amino acid substitutions in GPIIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3 integrin). A search should be conducted for novel paternal antigens in cases of apparent NAIT not explained on the basis of maternal‐fetal incompatibility for known human PLT antigens.
Influences of Social Norms and Context on Sexual Decision Making Among Adolescent Women
Authors: Fantasia Heidi Collins 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore women's decisions to initiate and continue sexual activity in late adolescence. Methods: Narrative inquiry was the qualitative methodology used to research the perceptions of factors that influence the sexual decision making of women in late adolescence. Single interviews were conducted with 10 late‐adolescence women between the ages of 18 and 22. Both purposive and snowball sampling were used, and recruitment ended when data saturation was achieved. Results: The main findings that emerged as the story contained 3 distinct and influential components: the influence of social context provided the introduction to the story, perceptions of the expected social norm for sex and relationships formed the plot, and the narratives concluded with a discussion of how these adolescents’ decision‐making processes evolved in the years since coital debut. Discussion: The results of this study provide evidence that adolescent sexual decision making is a multifaceted process with many layers of influence that reflect the complex world adolescents must navigate as they make decisions about their sexual behaviors. Detailed assessment of adolescent sexual activity and anticipatory guidance by health care providers will lay the foundation for risk reduction behavior and safer sexual encounters.
Assessment of a Simulation Training Exercise to Teach Intrauterine Tamponade for the Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Stitely Michael L. , Cerbone Lena , Nixon Angelita , Bringman Jay J. 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is a common complication of vaginal birth. Few midwives have experience in the performance of procedures to manage hemorrhage that fails to respond to initial management with medications and bimanual compression.Methods: A simulation model was constructed by using a half‐pelvis birth simulator and a hollowed out cantaloupe. Practicing midwives and students participated in a simulation exercise by using uterine packing and placement of a uterine tamponade balloon. Pre‐exercise and post‐exercise self‐assessments were performed. Data were analyzed by using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test.Results: A total of 25 learners participated in the training session. All 25 participants showed improvement in their self‐assessed competency level for the placement of the Bakri Postpartum Balloon (P < .001), and 24 of 25 showed improvement in self‐assessed competency levels for uterine packing (P < .001).Discussion: An inexpensive simulation model can be used to effectively train midwives to treat postpartum hemorrhage by using methods of exerting direct pressure to the uterine cavity.
Use of Hyaluronidase to Prevent Perineal Trauma During Spontaneous Births: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Double‐blind, Clinical Trial
Authors: Colacioppo Priscila Maria , Gonzalez Riesco Maria Luiza , Koiffman Marcia Duarte 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency and severity of perineal trauma during spontaneous birth with or without perineal injections of hyaluronidase (HAase).Methods: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial was conducted in a midwife‐led, in‐hospital birth center in São Paulo, Brazil. Primiparous women (N = 160) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 80) or control (n = 80) group. During the second stage of labor, women in the experimental group received an injection of 20.000 turbidity‐reducing units of HAase in the posterior region of the perineum, and those in the control group received a placebo injection. The assessment of perineal outcome was performed by 2 independent nurse‐midwives. A 1‐tailed Fisher exact test was performed, and a P value < .025 was considered statistically significant.Results: Perineal integrity occurred in 34.2% of the experimental group and in 32.5% of the control group, which was not a statistically significant difference (P= .477). First‐degree laceration was the most common trauma in the posterior region of the perineum in women in both groups (experimental = 56%, control = 42.6%). Severe perineal trauma occurred in 28.9% of the experimental group and 38.8% of the control group, which also was not a statistically significant difference (P= .131). The depth of second‐degree perineal lacerations in the experimental and control groups, measured by the Peri‐Rule, was 1.9 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively. An episiotomy was performed in 11 women (experimental group = 3, control group = 8), and 4 (all in control group) had third‐degree lacerations.Discussion: The use of injectable HAase did not increase the proportion of intact perineum and did not reduce the proportion of severe perineal trauma in our sample.