bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perinatal outcomes in native Chinese and Chinese‐American women
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Zhang Jun , Li Zhu 
Published: March 2011

SummaryLiu Y, Zhang J, Li Z. Perinatal outcomes in native Chinese and Chinese‐American women. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 202–209.This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes in native Chinese, foreign‐born and US‐born Chinese‐American women by analysing a cohort of 950 624 singleton pregnancies in south‐east China and 293 849 singleton births from the US live and stillbirth certificates from 1995 to 2004. Only births at 28 weeks or later were included. Compared with US‐born Chinese‐American women, native Chinese and foreign‐born Chinese‐American women had substantially lower risks of having a small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) infant (adjusted relative risk [aRR] ranging from 0.46 to 0.66) or preterm birth (aRR ranging from 0.53 to 0.82). While having a White or Black father had a reduced risk of SGA (aRR = 0.45 and 0.62, respectively), it has an increased risk for preterm birth (aRR = 1.13 and 1.57, respectively). Infants with Chinese father and foreign‐born mother were heavier than those with Chinese father and US‐born mothers. All findings were statistically significant. Our findings demonstrated the protective role of foreign‐born status on low birthweight and preterm delivery. The paternal contribution to fetal size is substantial.
Short segment aortic endarterectomy – a technique to aid cannulation in donors with severe aorto‐iliac disease
Authors: Gunasekaran Ganesh , Winans Charles , Hashimoto Koji , Aucejo Federico , Miller Charles 
Published: March 2011

Gunasekaran G, Winans C, Hashimoto K, Aucejo F, Miller C. Short segment aortic endarterectomy – a technique to aid cannulation in donors with severe aorto‐iliac disease.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E219–E222. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Cannulation of the abdominal aorta in older donors with advanced atherosclerotic disease is challenging and may lead to dissection or plaque embolization. We describe a different technique, short segment aortic endarterectomy, which can be a useful alternative during organ procurement. It permits safer cannulation and securing of atherosclerotic infrarenal aortas, thereby allowing us to flush and safely use organs that otherwise would have been discarded.
Comparison of risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa: Case‐cohort study
Authors: Matsuda Yoshio , Hayashi Kunihiko , Shiozaki Arihiro , Kawamichi Yayoi , Satoh Shoji , Saito Shigeru 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  A case‐cohort study was performed to clarify and compare the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa.Material & Methods:  This study reviewed 242 715 births at 125 centers of the perinatal network in Japan from 2001 through to 2005 as a base‐cohort. Women with singleton pregnancies delivered after 22 weeks of gestation were included. The evaluation determined the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa. Five thousand and thirty‐six births (2.1%) were determined as the subcohort by random selection. Acute‐inflammation‐associated clinical conditions (premature rupture of membranes and clinical chorioamnionitis) and chronic processes associated with vascular dysfunction or chronic inflammation (chronic and pregnancy‐induced hypertension, pre‐existing or gestational diabetes and maternal smoking) was examined between the two groups.Results:  Placental abruption and placenta previa were recorded in 10.1 per 1000 and 13.9 per 1000 singleton births. Risk factors for abruption and previa, respectively, included maternal age over 35 years (adjusted risk ratios [RRs] = 1.20 and 1.78), IVF‐ET (RRs = 1.38 and 2.94), preterm labor (RRs = 1.63 and 3.09). Smoking (RRs = 1.37), hypertension (RRs = 2.48), and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (RR = 4.45) were risk factors for abruption but not for previa. On the other hand, multiparity (RR = 1.18) was a risk factor for previa but not for abruption. The rates of acute‐inflammation‐associated conditions and chronic processes were higher among women with abruption than with previa. (RR 2.0 and 4.08, respectively).Conclusion:  The case‐cohort study technique elucidated the difference in the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa.
Maximizing outcomes in genitourinary cancers across the treatment continuum
Authors: Fitzpatrick John M. , Bellmunt Joaquim , Dreicer Robert , Fleshner Neil E. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Moul Judd W. , Tombal Bertrand , Zlotta Alexandre 
Published: March 2011

Key controversies concerning the management of genitourinary cancers across the treatment continua were discussed at the second annual Interactive Genitourinary Cancer Conference (IGUCC) held in February 2010 in Athens, Greece. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among western men and prevention strategies are needed. Trials evaluating 5α‐reductase inhibitors have reported beneficial and clinically meaningful results, but uptake remains low for primary prostate cancer prevention. Prostate cancer detection programmes are also important as curative treatments for advanced disease are unavailable. Two large landmark randomized controlled trials reported conflicting results concerning screening efficacy and uncovered high levels of over‐diagnosis and potential over‐treatment. Tailored management strategies after diagnosis are important and predictive markers that distinguish between aggressive and indolent tumours are needed. The majority of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer are clinically localized. Active surveillance of favourable risk patients may be beneficial in the intermediate term, while an integrated approach of multi‐modality therapy in patients with adverse features is recommended. The benefits of new technologies such as high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and robotic prostatectomy have not been established in prospective randomized trials vs current standards of care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to evolving the management of advanced prostate cancer into a chronic disease paradigm. Docetaxel plus prednisone is the standard first‐line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but the optimal timing of chemotherapy initiation has not been addressed in randomized clinical trials. Retrospective analyses suggest that asymptomatic patients with adverse prognostic factors for survival may also benefit from receiving chemotherapy.Bladder cancer is a common malignancy and the most expensive cancer per patient. Non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer is a heterogenous disease that requires dynamic multidisciplinary management. Aggressive early intervention may be beneficial in some cases. Platinum‐based therapies represent the first‐line standard of care for advanced bladder cancer, but the maximum benefit may have been reached for conventional chemotherapies and new strategies are needed. Several ongoing clinical trials are assessing combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Is food insecurity related to overweight and obesity in children and adolescents? A summary of studies, 1995–2009
Authors: Eisenmann J. C. , Gundersen C. , Lohman B. J. , Garasky S. , Stewart S. D. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryIn the USA, several nutrition‐related issues confront the normal growth, maturation and development of children and adolescents including obesity and food insecurity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the concept of food insecurity and a summary of studies that have examined the association between food insecurity and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents. Besides the initial case report, we review 21 studies (16 cross‐sectional and five prospective studies) that have been published on this topic as of December 2009. As there is limited literature in this area, we review studies that sample children and adolescents in the USA. The results are mixed with positive, negative and null associations. The reasons for the mixed results are difficult to disentangle. Among earlier studies, small samples hampered definitive conclusions. More recent studies with larger samples have overcome these limitations and tend to find no associations between these constructs. Nonetheless, all of the studies to date have shown that food insecurity and overweight co‐exist – that is, even though there may not be statistically significant differences in overweight between food‐insecure and food‐secure children, the prevalence of overweight remains relatively high in food‐insecure children.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in British Columbian Aboriginal adults
Authors: Foulds H. J. A. , Bredin S. S. D. , Warburton D. E. R. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryOverweight and obesity among Aboriginal populations has been a growing challenge within Canada. This investigation aimed to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity within British Columbian adult Aboriginal populations including both on and off reserve individuals through direct measurement. Further, this study stratified the variations in these rates according to age, gender and geographic region. Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured via standardized procedures, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The mean body composition indicators were above recommended for men (BMI = 30.3 ± 5.6 kg m−2; WC = 104.2 ± 14.7 cm) and women (BMI = 30.9 ±  7.2 kg m−2; WC = 99.3 ± 17.1 cm), respectively. Rates of obesity for men and women were similar, 48.4% and 48.7%, respectively, and showed significant increases with age. Abdominal obesity (AO) was significantly greater among female participants, 69.0% compared with 52.7% in men, while both genders also demonstrated significant increases in AO with age. Both obesity and AO rates were found to be significantly greater in the Northern and Interior regions of the province in comparison to the Vancouver/Lower Mainland region. Alarmingly high rates of obesity and AO were observed in this population in men and women at every age and geographic region.
When do value chains go global? A theory of the spatialization of global value chains
Authors: MAHUTGA MATTHEW C. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article, I synthesize and extend the theoretical literature on global commodity chain (GCC) and global value chain (GVC) governance to generate a theory of the ‘globalness’ of value chains and the spatialization of value chain linkages. Drawing from the original GCC dichotomy of buyer/producer‐driven commodity chains, I emphasize the height of entry barriers to manufacturing and supplier capability differentials across the North–South divide as determinants of the amount and geographic extent of global offshoring behaviour. Using a novel empirical approach to the measurement of global offshoring behaviour at the global industry level, the article shows that the original GCC governance scheme successfully predicts the levels, rates and timing of global production fragmentation across three networked industries. Combining the original GCC governance scheme with the more recent GVC governance types, the theory leads to predictions about the specific types of GVC linkages that might occur given the drivenness of a chain and the geographical location of lead firms and their suppliers. I conclude by drawing out the theory's implications for our understanding of the link between value chain formation and economic development in the global South and suggesting areas for future research.
AVE3085, an enhancer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, restores endothelial function and reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yang Qin , Xue Hong‐Mei , Wong Wing‐Tak , Tian Xiao‐Yu , Huang Yu , Tsui Stephen KW , Ng Patrick KS , Wohlfart Paulus , Li Huige , Xia Ning , Tobias Silke , Underwood Malcolm John , He Guo‐Wei 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in endothelial function, and impaired NO production is involved in hypertension. Therefore, compounds that regulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) may be of therapeutic benefit. A novel, low molecular weight compound AVE3085 is a recently developed compound with the ability to enhance eNOS transcription. The present study investigated the effects of AVE3085 in endothelial dysfunction associated with hypertension.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with AVE 3085 (10 mg·kg·day−1, orally) for 4 weeks. Isometric force measurement was performed on rings of isolated aortae in organ baths. Protein expression of eNOS, phosphorylated‐eNOS and nitrotyrosine in the aortae were examined by Western blotting. mRNA for eNOS in rat aortae were examined by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).KEY RESULTS AVE3085 greatly improved endothelium‐dependent relaxations in the aortae of SHRs. This functional change was accompanied by up‐regulated expression of eNOS protein and mRNA, enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and decreased formation of nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, AVE3085 treatment reduced the blood pressure in SHR without affecting that of hypertensive eNOS−/− mice.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The eNOS‐transcription enhancer AVE3085 restored impaired endothelial function in a hypertensive model. The present study provides a solid basis for the potential development of eNOS‐targeting drugs to restore down‐regulated eNOS, as a new strategy in hypertension.
The prevalence of human parvovirus B19 DNA and antibodies in blood donors from four Chinese blood centers
Authors: Ke Ling , He Miao , Li Changqing , Liu Yu , Gao Lei , Yao Fuzhu , Li Julin , Bi Xinhong , Lv Yunlai , Wang Jingxing , Hirsch Matthew L. , Li Wuping 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Human parvovirus B19 is a common human pathogen that causes a variety of diseases with outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to severe, especially in immunocompromised patients. The B19 virus can be transmitted via blood and/or blood products and its resistance to common viral inactivation and/or removal methods raises the importance of B19‐related blood safety. However, the existence, variation, and loading of B19 in Chinese blood donors have not been determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect all three genotypes of the human erythrovirus DNA in plasma samples. In total, 3957 donations from four Chinese blood centers were screened for B19 by real‐time minipool nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT). The positive samples were then confirmed by nested PCR and subjected to sequence analysis and alignment for phylogenetic studies. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay–based experiment was also performed to identify the prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and/or IgM antibodies specific to the B19 structural proteins in acquired samples.RESULTS: Of 3957 blood donors, 23 (0.58%) specimens were found positive for B19 DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 2.48 × 102 to 6.38 × 104 copies/mL. The phylogenic analyses showed that the prevalent genotypes in Chinese blood donors belong to B19 Genotype 1. A total of 448 samples from Chinese blood donors were investigated for the seroprevalence of B19 antibodies, among which 24.6 and 6.9% of specimens were seropositive for B19 IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. A total of 2.5% of these samples were positive for both antibody isotypes.CONCLUSIONS: Whether B19 NAT screening of blood and blood products should be launched in China, larger studies are needed to facilitate an informed decision.
A Dynamic Context Model of Interactive Behavior
Authors: Fu Wai‐Tat 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA dynamic context model of interactive behavior was developed to explain results from two experiments that tested the effects of interaction costs on encoding strategies, cognitive representations, and response selection processes in a decision‐making and a judgment task. The model assumes that the dynamic context defined by the mixes of internal and external representations and processes are sensitive to the interaction cost imposed by the task environment. The model predicts that changes in the dynamic context may lead to systematic biases in cognitive representations and processes that eventually influence decision‐making and judgment outcomes. Consistent with the predictions by the model, results from the experiments showed that as interaction costs increased, encoding strategies and cognitive representations shifted from perception‐based to memory‐based. Memory‐based comparisons of the stimuli enhanced the similarity and dominance effects, and led to stronger systematic biases in response outcomes in a choice task. However, in a judgment task, memory‐based representations enhanced only the dominance effects. Results suggested that systematic response biases in the dominance context were caused by biases in the cognitive representations of the stimuli, but response biases in the similarity context were caused by biases in the comparison process induced by the choice task. Results suggest that changes in interaction costs not only change whether information was assessed from the external world or from memory but also introduce systematic biases in the cognitive representation of the information, which act as biased inputs to the subsequent decision‐making and judgment processes. Results are consistent with the idea of interactive cognition, which proposes that representations and processes are contingent on the dynamic context defined by the information flow between the external task environment and internal cognition.
Subtle Land‐Use Change and Tropical Biodiversity: Dung Beetle Communities in Cerrado Grasslands and Exotic Pastures
Authors: Almeida Sabrina , Louzada Julio , Sperber Carlos , Barlow Jos 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTAlthough many tropical savannas are highly influenced by humans, the patterns of biodiversity loss in these systems remain poorly understood. In particular, the biodiversity consequences of replacing native grasslands with exotic pastures have not been studied. Here we examine how the conversion of the native savanna grasslands affects dung beetle communities. Our study was conducted in 14 native (grassland:campo limpo), and 21 exotic (Urochloaspp. monoculture) pastures in Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We collected 4996 dung beetle individuals from 66 species: 3139 individuals from 50 species in native pastures and 1857 individuals from 55 species in the exotic pastures. Exotic pastures had lower dung beetle richness, abundance and biomass than native pastures. Species composition between the two pasture types was significantly different and exotic pastures were dominated by few abundant species. Indicator species analysis detected 16 species indicators of native pastures and three of exotic pastures, according to relative abundance and frequency in each pasture system. Our results show that the conversion of native pastures to exotic pastures leads to a predictable loss of local species richness, increasing dominance and changes in species composition. These results highlight the importance of maintaining native pastures in the Cerrado agro‐pastoral landscape.Abstract in Portuguese is available athttp://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
High Mortality for Rare Species Following Hurricane Disturbance in the Southern Yucatán
Authors: Vandecar Karen L. , Lawrence Deborah , Richards Dana , Schneider Laura , Rogan John , Schmook Birgit , Wilbur Henry 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTHurricanes are an important part of the natural disturbance regime of the Yucatán Peninsula with the potential to alter forest structure and composition, yet investigations of species‐level responses to severe winds are limited in this region. The effect of a category 5 hurricane (Hurricane Dean, 21 August 2007) on dry tropical forests across the southern Yucatán was examined with respect to tree damage, mortality, and sprouting. Damage was assessed 9–11 mo following the hurricane in 92 (500 m2) plots stratified by wind speed and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) change classes over a 25,000 km2 study area. We investigated the relative importance of biotic (i.e., species, size, and wood density) and abiotic (i.e., wind speed) factors to better explain patterns of damage. Overall mortality was low (3.9%), however, mortality of less common species (8.5%) was elevated more than fourfold above that of 28 common species (1.8%), indicating immediate selective consequences for community composition. Species varied in the degree and type of damage experienced, with susceptibility increasing with tree diameter and height. Wood density influenced damage patterns only in areas where a critical threshold in storm intensity was exceeded (wind speeds ≥210 km/h). Although overall, damage severity increased with wind speed, common coastal species were more resistant to damage than species distributed farther inland. Our findings suggest that selective pressure exerted by frequent hurricane disturbance has, and will, continue to impact the floristic composition of forests on the Yucatán Peninsula, favoring certain wind‐resistant species.Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Neprilysin Protects against Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Aβ‐Induced Degeneration of Cerebrovascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Miners James Scott , Kehoe Patrick , Love Seth 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNeprilysin (NEP), which degrades amyloid‐β (Aβ), is expressed by neurons and cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs). NEP immunolabeling is reduced within cerebral blood vessels of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We have now measured NEP enzyme activity in leptomeningeal and purified cerebral cortical blood vessel preparations from control and AD patients with and without CAA. Measurements were adjusted for smooth muscle actin (SMA) to control for variations in CVSMC content. NEP activity was reduced in CAA, in both controls and AD. In leptomeningeal vessels, NEP activity was related to APOE genotype, being highest in ε2‐positive and lowest in ε4‐positive brains. To assess the role of NEP in protecting CVSMCs from Aβ toxicity, we measured cell death in primary human adult CVSMCs exposed to Aβ1‐40, Aβ1‐42 or Aβ1‐40(Dutch variant). Aβ1‐42 was most cytotoxic to CVSMCs. Aβ1‐42‐mediated cell death was increased following siRNA‐mediated knockdown or thiorphan‐mediated inhibition of NEP activity; conversely Aβ1‐42‐mediated cytotoxicity was reduced by the addition of somatostatin and NEP over‐expression following transfection with NEP cDNA. Our findings suggest that NEP protects CVSMCs from Aβ toxicity and protects cerebral blood vessels from the development and complications of CAA.