bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity of relatively high intensity in mid‐pregnancy predicts lower glucose tolerance levels
Authors: Medek Helga , Halldorsson Thorhallur , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjörg , Geirsson Reynir T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionPhysical activity (PA) is recommended as part of therapy for patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Whether such recommendations are also justified for pregnant women is less well established. We investigated the association between PA and glucose tolerance in pregnancy.Material and methodsA non‐selective sample of 217 pregnant women was recruited at a routine 20 week ultrasound examination. Participants answered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) about frequency, intensity and duration of daily physical activity in the past 7 days and underwent oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks. A subset of 72 overweight/obese pregnant women wore a pedometer for 1 week with assessment of IPAQ score and pedometric correlations to this.ResultsOf the sample, 177 attended for OGTT; 51% were overweight or obese. The mean (SD) fasting glucose was 4.5 (0.4) mmol/L, and 12% had gestational diabetes mellitus. Only one‐third engaged in vigorous PA. After adjustment for pre‐pregnancy BMI, age and parity, those engaging in vigorous PA had significantly lower fasting glucose levels (by 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.03–0.27) compared with those not vigorously active. This decrease was similar in both normal and overweight/obese women. There were fewer cases of gestational diabetes (p = 0.03) among the vigorously active women (3/56; 5%) than among those who were not active (19/121; 16%). No association with glucose tolerance was observed for physical activity of moderate intensity.ConclusionsOnly vigorous physical activity appears beneficial with respect to maternal glucose tolerance, both among normal, overweight and obese women.
High incidence of dry eye in young children with allergic conjunctivitis in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Lin , Pi Lianhong , Fang Jing , Chen Xinke , Ke Ning , Liu Qing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo identify the prevalence of dry eye in pediatric population with allergic conjunctivitis in Southwest China.MethodsA single‐centre, prospective, case–control study conducted between May 2015 and December 2015 included 40 children, 3–6 years of age, with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) or perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched children undergoing medical healthy examination without history of allergy or dry eye as a control. A dry eye score system (DESS) was administered to both groups. Slit‐lamp examinations including tear film break‐up time (TFBUT) and fluorescent corneal staining (FCS) were performed. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate associations between measures of dry eye and signs and symptoms of AC.ResultsThe prevalence of dry eye was 97.5% (78/80 eyes) in cases and 27.50% (22/80 eyes) in controls. Mean DESS score was 4.75 ± 2.22 in the case group and 0.80 ± 1.22 in the control group (p < 0.001). Symptoms of dry eye in the case group were mild (<6). Mean tear film break‐up time was 6.54 ± 1.48 seconds in the case group and 10.04 ± 1.79 seconds in the control group (p < 0.001). Mean FCS scores were 0.79 ± 1.34 and 0.21 ± 0.57, respectively (p = 0.001). The DESS score and TFBUT were both associated with the duration of allergic conjunctivitis.ConclusionThe incidence of dry eye assessed by TFBUT was higher in young children with SAC and PAC than in controls. However, subjective symptoms of dry eye (DESS) were inconsistent with objective signs, indicating that close attention should be paid to the evaluation and treatment of dry eye in pediatric population with AC.
Nutrition factors predict earlier acquisition of motor and language milestones among young children in Haiti
Authors: Iannotti Lora , Jean Louis Dulience Sherlie , Wolff Patricia , Cox Katherine , Lesorogol Carolyn , Kohl Patricia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo examine the nutrition‐related factors associated with motor and language development among young children living in a poor urban area of Haiti.MethodsChildren aged 6–11 months (n = 583) were enrolled and followed monthly for one year. World Health Organization motor developmental milestones and vowel and consonant counts were assessed. Longitudinal regression models were applied to assess the association of anthropometric, dietary intake, infectious disease morbidity and socio‐economic and demographic factors on developmental outcomes.ResultsAt baseline, 9.4% were stunted or length‐for‐age Z score < −2, and 30.2% were mild‐to‐moderately stunted or length‐for‐age Z score < −1. Stunting status was significantly associated with motor and phonetic language acquisition at each time point during infancy. Several nutrition factors significantly predicted earlier achievement of motor and language development outcomes in longitudinal models: child anthropometry; breastfeeding and complementary feeding frequencies; dietary diversity; egg and oil intake; and reduced infectious disease morbidities. Increases in the length‐for‐age Z score significantly predicted all motor and language outcomes and yielded the best fit models compared to other anthropometric indicators (p < 0.001).ConclusionChild development interventions may be enhanced by incorporating nutrition strategies such as improved diet quality, breastfeeding promotion and diarrhoeal disease mitigation.
Association of Oseltamivir Activation with Gender and Carboxylesterase 1 Genetic Polymorphisms
Authors: Shi Jian , Wang Xinwen , Eyler Rachel F. , Liang Yan , Liu Li , Mueller Bruce A. , Zhu Hao‐Jie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOseltamivir, an inactive anti‐influenza virus prodrug, is activated (hydrolysed) in vivo by carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) to its active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate. CES1 functions are significantly associated with certain CES1 genetic variants and some non‐genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gender and several CES1 genetic polymorphisms on oseltamivir activation using a large set of individual human liver samples. CES1‐mediated oseltamivir hydrolysis and CES1 genotypes, including the G143E (rs71647871), rs2244613, rs8192935, the ‐816A>C (rs3785161) and the CES1P1/CES1P1VAR, were determined in 104 individual human livers. The results showed that hepatic CES1 protein expression in females was 17.3% higher than that in males (p = 0.039), while oseltamivir activation rate in the livers from female donors was 27.8% higher than that from males (p = 0.076). As for CES1 genetic polymorphisms, neither CES1 protein expression nor CES1 activity on oseltamivir activation was significantly associated with the rs2244613, rs8192935, ‐816A>C or CES1P1/CES1P1VAR genotypes. However, oseltamivir hydrolysis in the livers with the genotype 143G/E was approximately 40% of that with the 143G/G genotype (0.7 ± 0.2 versus 1.8 ± 1.1 nmole/mg protein/min, p = 0.005). In summary, the results suggest that hepatic oseltamivir activation appears to be more efficient in females than that in males, and the activation can be impaired by functional CES1 variants, such as the G143E. However, clinical implication of CES1 gender differences and pharmacogenetics in oseltamivir pharmacotherapy warrants further investigations.
Diagnostic shift in patients diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of rediagnosis studies
Authors: Santelmann Hanno , Franklin Jeremy , Bußhoff Jana , Baethge Christopher 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesThe diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder (SAD) is well established in clinical practice but is heavily disputed on theoretical grounds. We analyzed the extent and direction of diagnostic shift in SAD patients.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, and PsycINFOsystematically for all studies documenting two diagnostic assessments at different points in time (rediagnosis studies) and used meta‐analytic methods to quantify diagnostic shift. Multiple prespecified and post‐hoc subgroup analyses (e.g., rater blinding) and meta‐regressions (e.g., year of publication) were carried out.ResultsWe included 31 studies out of 4,415 articles screened: 27 studies on the shiftfromand 23 studies on the shifttoSAD (median time span was two years). A total of 36% of patients with a diagnosis of SAD at first assessment switch, many to schizophrenia (19%), 14% to affective disorders, and 6% to other disorders. Among patients diagnosed with SAD at second assessment, 55% had received a different diagnosis at first assessment, a large portion of whom had been initially diagnosed with affective disorder (24%), schizophrenia (18%), and other disorders (12%).ConclusionsDiagnostic shift in SAD patients is substantial. Psychiatrists need to reassess the diagnosis during the course of the illness and to adjust treatment. Slightly more diagnoses of SAD are changed to schizophrenia than to affective disorders, and among patients rediagnosed with SAD, fewer have been diagnosed with schizophrenia than with affective disorders. Thus, at the diagnostic level, there seems to be a slight trend toward schizophrenia during the course of functional psychoses.
Characterising the safety of clomiphene citrate in male patients through prostate‐specific antigen, haematocrit, and testosterone levels
Authors: Chandrapal Jason C. , Nielson Spencer , Patel Darshan P. , Zhang Chong , Presson Angela P. , Brant William O. , Myers Jeremy B. , Hotaling James M. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo determine the safety profile of clomiphene citrate (CC) in men being treated for hypogonadism or infertility by measuring prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), haematocrit (Hct), and testosterone levels.Patients and MethodsWe identified patients presenting to our institution who were placed on CC, 50 mg every day or every other day, for male infertility and/or symptomatic hypoandrogenism between September 2013 and April 2016. Patients with documented exogenous testosterone, human chorionic gonadotrophin, or anastrozole use within 2 weeks of baseline evaluations were excluded. Our primary outcomes were the effects of CC on PSA, Hct, and total testosterone levels evaluated at the 3, 6, 9, or 12 months of follow‐up. Outcomes were averaged within patients across visits and summarised by mean, median, range, standard deviation (SD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean.ResultsA total of 77 patients had recorded PSA, Hct, and/or testosterone values. The mean (SD, range) age and body mass index was 34 (6, 22–51) years and 31 (6, 22–52) kg/m2, respectively. The mean (SD) follow‐up was 358 (29) days. Within this group, CC concentration was changed in 24 patients (31%) and was discontinued in 24 patients (31%). The median (range) duration of CC therapy before discontinuation was 127 (44–161) days. The use of CC significantly raised both mean total and bioavailable testosterone levels by 200 ng/dL and 126 ng/dL, respectively (P < 0.001). This increase in testosterone had significant clinical effects with improvements in Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male questionnaire scores (P < 0.01) but not Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores. CC had no effect on mean PSA (1 ng/dL, 95% CI 0.8–1.1) or Hct (49%, 95% CI 41–53) levels, which were within normal ranges.ConclusionsAs more men are placed on CC for infertility or hypogonadism, characterising the safety effect profile becomes important. Our study found that CC significantly increased testosterone levels without changing PSA or Hct values. Because the biochemical response to CC can vary, we suggest scheduling laboratory evaluation at regular intervals; however, ordering routine assessment of PSA and Hct may not be necessary.
The impact of trade promotion services on Canadian exporter performance
Authors: Van Biesebroeck Johannes , Yu Emily , Chen Shenjie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFrom 1999 to 2006, Canadian firms successfully diversified their exports to destinations beyond the United States while smaller firms increased their share in total exports. Both are explicit aims of the Trade Commissioner Service export promotion program. Exploiting assumptions from the treatment effects literature, we identify a causal, export‐boosting effect. In contrast with existing evidence for Latin American countries, the intensive margin effect—higher exports to existing product‐destination markets—dominates. Effects at the extensive margin—exporting more products to more destinations—are smaller and sensitive to identification assumptions. We interpret this evidence in light of trade models with heterogeneous firms.
Third‐degree price discrimination in the presence of congestion externality
Authors: Czerny Achim I. , Zhang Anming 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper analyzes third‐degree price discrimination of a monopoly airline in the presence of congestion externality when all markets are served. The model features the business‐passenger and leisure‐passenger markets where business passengers exhibit a higher time valuation, and a less price‐elastic demand, than leisure passengers. Our main result is the identification of the time‐valuation effect of price discrimination, which can work in the opposite direction as the well‐known output effect on welfare. This time‐valuation effect clearly explains why discriminating prices can improve welfare even when this is associated with a reduction in aggregate output.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and type 1 interferon promote peripheral expansion of forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells specific for the ubiquitous RNA-binding nuclear antigen La/Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-B
Authors: Pan Z-J , Horton C G , Lawrence C , Farris A D 
Published: May 2016

SummaryRNA-binding nuclear antigens are a major class of self-antigen to which immune tolerance is lost in rheumatic diseases. Serological tolerance to one such antigen, La/Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-B (La), is controlled by CD4+ T cells. This study investigated peripheral tolerance to human La (hLa) by tracking the fate of hLa-specific CD4+ T cells expressing the transgenic (Tg) 3B5.8 T cell receptor (TCR) after adoptive transfer into lymphocyte-replete recipient mice expressing hLa as a neo-self-antigen. After initial antigen-specific cell division, hLa-specific donor CD4+ T cells expressed forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3). Donor cells retrieved from hLa Tg recipients displayed impaired proliferation and secreted interleukin (IL)−10 in vitro in response to antigenic stimulation. Transfer of highly purified FoxP3-negative donor cells demonstrated that accumulation of hLa-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) was due primarily to expansion of small numbers of donor Treg. Depletion of recipient plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), but not B cells, severely hampered the accumulation of FoxP3+ donor Treg in hLa Tg recipients. Recipient pDC expressed tolerogenic markers and higher levels of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules than B cells. Adoptive transfer of hLa peptide-loaded pDC into mice lacking expression of hLa recapitulated the accumulation of hLa-specific Treg. Blockade of the type 1 interferon (IFN) receptor in hLa Tg recipients of hLa-specific T cells impaired FoxP3+ donor T cell accumulation. Therefore, peripheral expansion of Treg specific for an RNA-binding nuclear antigen is mediated by antigen-presenting pDC in a type 1 IFN-dependent manner. These results reveal a regulatory function of pDC in controlling autoreactivity to RNA-binding nuclear antigens.
Timing of Protection of Critical Habitat Matters
Authors: Martin Tara G. , Camaclang Abbey E. , Possingham Hugh P. , Maguire Lynn A. , Chadès Iadine 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWith many conservation issues requiring urgent action, determining how much data are needed to inform good decisions is a common problem. We examine this problem in relation to the protection of critical habitat, the habitat required for species’ recovery and persistence. The protection of critical habitat is an essential step in the threatened species recovery process. It is also one of the most contentious and protracted decisions faced by environmental agencies. Uncertainty about what constitutes critical habitat, and the challenges of balancing competing societal objectives and of protecting critical habitat once identified are stalling the recovery process. We offer insight into this challenge by investigating how long we can afford to spend identifying critical habitat before opportunities to recover a species are lost. We illustrate our decision model using Canada's threatened northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana). Our method delivers the stopping time at which habitat protection must begin, despite uncertainty, in order to avoid an unacceptable risk of extinction.
Tumor budding is an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Fujimoto Masakazu , Yamamoto Yuki , Matsuzaki Ibu , Warigaya Kenji , Iwahashi Yoshifumi , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Furukawa Fukumi , Murata Shin‐ichi 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAlthough tumor budding is acknowledged as a risk factor for lymph node metastasis in certain types of carcinoma, it is not well investigated in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In this study, we analyzed the correlation between tumor budding and nodal metastasis in cutaneous SCC.MethodsHistopathologic specimens of 15 metastasizing and 144 non‐metastasizing cutaneous SCC were retrospectively reviewed. Cut‐off point for tumor budding was determined at five or more foci of an isolated cancer cell or a cluster comprising <5 cells /1.23 mm2 in the invasive front of the tumor under hematoxylin and eosin sections.ResultsTumor budding was positive in 93.3% of metastasizing cutaneous SCC and 25.7% of non‐metastasizing cutaneous SCC, respectively (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, tumor budding was an independent risk factor for nodal metastasis among the other risk factors (tumor size, tumor thickness, Clark level and poor differentiation) (p = 0.0021). In combination with tumor thickness >4 mm, tumor budding became a better marker for predicting nodal metastasis (sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 84.7%).ConclusionsIn our cohort, tumor budding was an independent risk factor for nodal metastasis. Our data suggests the promising role of tumor budding in risk evaluation of cutaneous SCC.
Mindful Mates: A Pilot Study of the Relational Effects of Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction on Participants and Their Partners
Authors: Khaddouma Alexander , Coop Gordon Kristina , Strand Elizabeth B. 
Published: May 2016

Very little is currently known about how increases in dispositional mindfulness through mindfulness training affect the quality of participants’ romantic relationships, and no previous studies have examined how increases in specific facets of mindfulness differentially contribute to relationship health. Additionally, even less is known about how an individual's development of mindfulness skills affects the relationship satisfaction of his or her romantic partner. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine associations between changes in facets of mindfulness and relationship satisfaction among participants enrolled in a Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course and their nonenrolled romantic partners. Twenty MBSR participants and their nonenrolled partners (n = 40) completed measures of mindfulness and relationship satisfaction pre‐ and post‐enrolled partners’ completion of an MBSR course. Results indicated that enrolled participants significantly improved on all facets of mindfulness and relationship satisfaction, while nonenrolled partners did not significantly increase on any facet of mindfulness or relationship satisfaction. Moreover, enrolled participants’ increases in Acting with Awareness were positively associated with increases in their own and their nonenrolled partners’ relationship satisfaction, whereas increases in enrolled participants’ Nonreactivity were positively associated with increases in their nonenrolled partners’ (but not their own) relationship satisfaction. These results suggest that increasing levels of mindfulness (particularly specific aspects of mindfulness) may have positive effects on couples’ relationship satisfaction and highlight mindfulness training as a promising tool for education and intervention efforts aimed at promoting relational health.
Predicting the effects of climate change on population connectivity and genetic diversity of an imperiled freshwater mussel, Cumberlandia monodonta (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae), in riverine systems
Authors: Inoue Kentaro , Berg David J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn the face of global climate change, organisms may respond to temperature increases by shifting their ranges poleward or to higher altitudes. However, the direction of range shifts in riverine systems is less clear. Because rivers are dendritic networks, there is only one dispersal route from any given location to another. Thus, range shifts are only possible if branches are connected by suitable habitat, and stream‐dwelling organisms can disperse through these branches. We used Cumberlandia monodonta (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Margaritiferidae) as a model species to investigate the effects of climate change on population connectivity because a majority of contemporary populations are panmictic. We combined ecological niche models (ENMs) with population genetic simulations to investigate the effects of climate change on population connectivity and genetic diversity of C. monodonta. The ENMs were constructed using bioclimatic and landscape data to project shifts in suitable habitat under future climate scenarios. We then used forward‐time simulations to project potential changes in genetic diversity and population connectivity based on these range shifts. ENM results under current conditions indicated long stretches of highly suitable habitat in rivers where C. monodonta persists; populations in the upper Mississippi River remain connected by suitable habitat that does not impede gene flow. Future climate scenarios projected northward and headwater‐ward range contraction and drastic declines in habitat suitability for most extant populations throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Simulations indicated that climate change would greatly reduce genetic diversity and connectivity across populations. Results suggest that a single, large population of C. monodonta will become further fragmented into smaller populations, each of which will be isolated and begin to differentiate genetically. Because C. monodonta is a widely distributed species and purely aquatic, our results suggest that persistence and connectivity of stream‐dwelling organisms will be significantly altered in response to future climate change.