bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple courses of pulse corticosteroid therapy for alopecia areata
Authors: Yoshimasu Takashi , Kanazawa Nobuo , Yamamoto Yuki , Furukawa Fukumi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractVarious systemic corticosteroid therapies are used for alopecia areata (AA). Pulse therapy using methylprednisolone is a treatment approach for AA. The efficacy of multiple courses of pulse therapy for various severities of AA was evaluated. AA patients with less than 50% hair loss, less than or equal to 6 months after AA onset, needed 1.9 courses of pulse therapy for vellus hair to develop. On the other hand, AA patients with more than 50% hair loss, less than 6 months after AA onset, needed more courses of pulse therapy for vellus hair to develop. Regardless of the disease duration, AA patients with less than 50% hair loss showed a good response rate (100%) after both a short period and a long period after therapy. After receiving multiple courses of pulse therapy, the AA patients with more than 50% hair loss also showed improvement with limited adverse reactions.
Consensus forecasting of intertidal seagrass habitat in the Wadden Sea
Authors: Folmer Eelke O. , van Beusekom Justus E.E. , Dolch Tobias , Gräwe Ulf , van Katwijk Marieke M. , Kolbe Kerstin , Philippart Catharina J.M. 
Published: April 2016

Summary

After the dramatic eutrophication‐induced decline of intertidal seagrasses in the 1970s, the Wadden Sea has shown diverging developments. In the northern Wadden Sea, seagrass beds have expanded and become denser, while in the southern Wadden Sea, only small beds with low shoot densities are found. A lack of documentation of historical distributions hampers conservation management. Yet, the recovery in the northern Wadden Sea provides opportunity to construct robust habitat suitability models to support management.

We tuned habitat distribution models based on 17 years of seagrass surveys in the northern Wadden Sea and high‐resolution hydrodynamics and geomorphology for the entire Wadden Sea using five machine learning approaches. To obtain geographically transferable models, hyperparameters were tuned on the basis of prediction accuracy assessed by non‐random, spatial cross‐validation. The spatial cross‐validation methodology was combined with a consensus modelling approach.

The predicted suitability scores correlated amongst each other and with the hold‐out observations in the training area indicating that the models converged and were transferable across space. Prediction accuracy was improved by averaging the predictions of the best models.

We graphically examined the relationship between the consensus suitability score and independent presence‐only data from outside the training area using the area‐adjusted seagrass frequency per suitability class (continuous Boyce index). The Boyce index was positively correlated with the suitability score indicating the adequacy of the prediction methodology.

We used the plot of the continuous Boyce index against habitat suitability score to demarcate three habitat classes – unsuitable, marginal and suitable – for the entire international Wadden Sea. This information is valuable for habitat conservation and restoration management.

Divergence between predicted suitability and actual distributions from the recent past indicates that unaccounted factors limit seagrass development in the southern Wadden Sea.

Synthesis and applications. Our methodology and data enabled us to produce a robust and validated consensus habitat suitability model. We identified highly suitable areas where intertidal seagrass meadows may establish and persist. Our work provides scientific underpinning for effective conservation planning in a dynamic landscape and sets monitoring priorities.
CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Downregulate Placental Adiponectin and Increase Embryo Loss in Non‐Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Qin Chuan‐Mei , Tian Fu‐Ju , Liu Xiao‐Rui , Wu Fan , Ma Xiao‐Ling , Lin Yi 
Published: April 2016

ProblemCpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) can induce immunological changes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice and increase embryo loss, but little is known about the mechanism. This study aimed to determine the role of adiponectin in CpG ODN‐induced pregnancy failure.Method of studyOligodeoxynucleotide 1826 was intraperitoneally injected to NOD mice, and ODN 2216, ODN 2006, and ODN 2395 were used to stimulate human trophoblast cell lines to investigate adiponectin expression patterns and its possible effects on trophoblast function.ResultsCpG ODNs downregulated adiponectin via the cJun N‐terminal kinase signaling pathway and led to increased embryo loss (from 6.9 to 33.3%). ODN 2006 impaired human trophoblast cell migration, which was successfully rescued by adiponectin treatment.ConclusionCpG ODNs decreased placental adiponectin expression in NOD mice and impaired human trophoblast function and was associated with increased embryo loss. Adiponectin may therefore play an important protective role in the prevention of bacteria‐induced pregnancy failure.
Analysing four Norweigian population‐based samples using the six‐month version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire showed few relevant clinical differences
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Janson Harald , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Slinning Kari 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimWe investigated whether there were clinically relevant differences in the area mean scores of the six‐month Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) between four Norwegian population‐based samples.MethodsArea mean scores and standard deviations (SDs) were investigated for the five developmental areas of the ASQ: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal‐social. Sample sizes varied from 166 to 1192 and the ASQ was completed on paper or by computer. ASQ scores in the four samples were compared using ANOVA and Tukey's procedure was used to adjust for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe ASQ mean area scores were generally similar in the four data sets, with few clinically relevant differences, defined as a mean difference of greater than five points, which is the smallest increment in area score, or an effect size of >0.5 in absolute value. All the clinically relevant differences occurred when samples used a modified ASQ administration format. Several additional minor differences were statistically significant, which was expected due to the large samples.ConclusionThese results support the original Norwegian normative findings for the ASQ six‐month form and the ASQ's use as a low‐cost developmental screening tool in Norway, at least when the original format is administered.
A seven‐year physical activity intervention for children increased gains in bone mass and muscle strength
Authors: Fritz Jesper , Rosengren Björn E. , Dencker Magnus , Karlsson Caroline , Karlsson Magnus K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThis study evaluated the musculoskeletal effects of increased physical activity on children, starting at six to nine years of age.MethodsIn one school we increased the physical education of 72 girls and 100 boys to 200 minutes per week over seven years. In three other schools, 45 girls and 47 boys continued to receive 60 minutes per week. We measured areal bone mineral density (aBMD) with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle strength with computerised dynamometer at baseline and after seven years and tibial cortical thickness with peripheral quantitative computed tomography after seven years.ResultsGirls in the intervention group gained 0.04 g/cm2 (0.01–0.08) more total spine aBMD (p < 0.05) and 6.2Nm (1.6, 10.7) more knee flexion strength (p < 0.01) than control group girls and had a 0.1 mm (0.0, 0.3) higher tibial cortical thickness at follow‐up (p < 0.05). Boys in the intervention group gained 7.3Nm (0.4, 14.2) more knee extension strength (p < 0.05) and 7.4Nm (2.3, 12.4) more knee flexion strength (p < 0.01) than the control group boys, but their aBMD was no higher than the control group.ConclusionA seven‐year, population‐based moderately intense exercise intervention enhanced gains in spine bone mass in girls and knee muscle strength in both genders.
Lactobacillus reuteri increases mucus thickness and ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Ahl D. , Liu H. , Schreiber O. , Roos S. , Phillipson M. , Holm L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate whether two Lactobacillus reuteri strains (rat‐derived R2LC and human‐derived ATCC PTA 4659 (4659)) could protect mice against colitis, as well as delineate the mechanisms behind this protection.MethodsMice were given L. reuteri R2LC or 4659 by gavage once daily for 14 days, and colitis was induced by addition of 3% DSS (dextran sulphate sodium) to drinking water for the last 7 days of this period. The severity of disease was assessed through clinical observations, histological evaluation and ELISA measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines from colonic samples. Mucus thickness was measured in vivo with micropipettes, and tight junction protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.ResultsColitis severity was significantly reduced by L. reuteri R2LC or 4659 when evaluated both clinically and histologically. The inflammation markers MPO, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and mKC (mouse keratinocyte chemoattractant) were increased by DSS and significantly reduced by the L. reuteri strains. The firmly adherent mucus thickness was reduced by DSS, but significantly increased by L. reuteri in both control and DSS‐treated mice. Expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO‐1 was significantly increased in the bottom of the colonic crypts by L. reuteri R2LC.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that each of the two different L. reuteri strains, one human‐derived and one‐rat‐derived, protects against colitis in mice. Mechanisms behind this protection could at least partly be explained by the increased mucus thickness as well as a tightened epithelium in the stem cell area of the crypts.
Increased microvascular permeability in mice lacking Epac1 (Rapgef3)
Authors: Kopperud R. K. , Rygh C. Brekke , Karlsen T. V. , Krakstad C. , Kleppe R. , Hoivik E. A. , Bakke M. , Tenstad O. , Selheim F. , Lidén Å. , Madsen L. , Pavlin T. , Taxt T. , Kristiansen K. , Curry F.‐R. E. , Reed R. K. , Døskeland S. O. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimMaintenance of the blood and extracellular volume requires tight control of endothelial macromolecule permeability, which is regulated by cAMP signalling. This study probes the role of the cAMP mediators rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 and 4 (Epac1 and Epac2) for in vivo control of microvascular macromolecule permeability under basal conditions.MethodsEpac1−/− and Epac2−/− C57BL/6J mice were produced and compared with wild‐type mice for transvascular flux of radio‐labelled albumin in skin, adipose tissue, intestine, heart and skeletal muscle. The transvascular leakage was also studied by dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) using the MRI contrast agent Gadomer‐17 as probe.ResultsEpac1−/− mice had constitutively increased transvascular macromolecule transport, indicating Epac1‐dependent restriction of baseline permeability. In addition, Epac1−/− mice showed little or no enhancement of vascular permeability in response to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), whether probed with labelled albumin or Gadomer‐17. Epac2−/− and wild‐type mice had similar basal and ANP‐stimulated clearances. Ultrastructure analysis revealed that Epac1−/− microvascular interendothelial junctions had constitutively less junctional complex.ConclusionEpac1 exerts a tonic inhibition of in vivo basal microvascular permeability. The loss of this tonic action increases baseline permeability, presumably by reducing the interendothelial permeability resistance. Part of the action of ANP to increase permeability in wild‐type microvessels may involve inhibition of the basal Epac1‐dependent activity.
The urban governance of brownfield restructuring in China: The case of Guangzhou's T.I.T Creative Industry Zone
Authors: Zielke Philipp , Waibel Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOver the past several years, the creative reuse of brownfields has played a major role in Chinese cities to give their urban landscape a so‐called second development. This paper analyses the governance of the brownfield restructuring in Guangzhou (Canton). The research is based on a study of the T.I.T Creative Industry Zone, a highly successful creative space currently in danger of demolition. This paper follows DiGaetano and Strom's () analytical governance framework. This approach allows for deciphering the complexities of decision‐making through a well‐structured set of interdependent categories. In Guangzhou, new policies and institutions have been promoting the restructuring and have contributed to the formalisation of public–private interactions. In general, this indicates a shift towards a more corporatist governance. However, the study of T.I.T reveals a rather intricate picture: the policymaking remains influenced by a top‐down authoritative style – sometimes in an arbitrary manner – and to some extent also by particularistic exchanges. This indicates a complex mode of urban governance consisting of increasingly corporatist elements but still with managerial, and to a lesser extent, clientelistic elements. Finally, the coexistence of different governance modes seems to be a typical outcome of China's transition while still remaining more adaptive, experimental and flexible in nature.
Trading in waste: Integrating sustainable development goals and environmental policies in trade negotiations toward enhanced solid waste management in Pacific Islands countries and territories
Authors: Farrelly Trisia , Schneider Paul , Stupples Polly 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper provides a broad survey of existing literature on contemporary solid waste management (SWM) in the Pacific region to underscore an urgent and compelling need for improved SWM. Despite advances in waste management systems and funding for technical support and capacity building from a range of sources, waste continues to threaten public and ecological health and the economy in Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs). SWM in the Pacific requires innovative thinking in a challenging environment of remoteness, limited available land, fragile ecosystems, vulnerability to natural hazards and subsequent climate sensitivity. Many PICTs are under considerable pressure to open their markets up to trade liberalisation. Increasing links to the global economy through trade liberalisation could either further exacerbate waste management challenges in the Pacific or contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development goals. The authors argue that if the PICTs' urgent waste management challenges are to be meaningfully addressed, the region's leaders must ensure trading partners conform to local environmental protection policies and that trade agreements align with sustainable development goals.
Predictors of Unplanned Cesareans among Low‐Risk Migrant Women from Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries Living in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Merry Lisa , Semenic Sonia , Gyorkos Theresa W. , Fraser William , Gagnon Anita J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundResearch has yielded little understanding of factors associated with high cesarean rates among migrant women (i.e., women born abroad). The objective of this study was to identify medical, migration, social, and health service predictors of unplanned cesareans among low‐risk migrant women from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe used a case–control research design. The sampling frame included migrant women from LMICs living in Canada less than 8 years, who gave birth at one of three Montreal hospitals between March 2014 and January 2015. Data were collected from medical records and by interview‐administration of the Migrant‐Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire. We performed multi‐variable logistic regression for low‐risk women (i.e., vertex, singleton, term pregnancies) who delivered vaginally (1,615 controls) and by unplanned cesarean indicated by failure to progress, fetal distress, or cephalopelvic disproportion (233 cases).ResultsPredictors of unplanned cesarean included being from sub‐Saharan Africa/Caribbean (OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.02–5.51]) and admission for delivery during early labor (OR 5.43 [95% CI 3.17–9.29]). Among women living in Canada less than 2 years predictors were having a humanitarian migration classification (OR 4.24 [95% CI 1.16–15.46]) and admission for delivery during early labor (OR 7.68 [95% CI 3.12–18.88]).ConclusionMigrant women from sub‐Saharan Africa/Caribbean and recently arrived migrant women with a humanitarian classification are at greater risk for unplanned cesareans compared with other low‐risk migrant women from LMICs after controlling for medical factors. Strategies to prevent cesareans should consider the circumstances of migrant women that may be contributing to the use of unplanned cesareans in this population.
Morningness–Eveningness and Physical Activity in Adolescent Girls: Menarche as a Transition Point
Authors: Beal Sarah J. , Grimm Kevin J. , Dorn Lorah D. , Susman Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2016

This study identified trajectories of morningness–eveningness (M–E) and physical activity when chronological (i.e., time since birth) versus gynecological (i.e., time since menarche) age is used to indicate maturation. Piecewise models were fit for girls (N = 262, ages 11–19) using chronological or gynecological age as the time metric. Girls stayed up later (i.e., eveningness) as they approach menarche. After menarche no change in M–E was observed. In contrast, no change in M–E was detected with chronological age. No change in physical activity was observed before menarche, and physical activity declined after menarche. With chronological age, physical activity declined as girls got older. Gynecological age may be more appropriate than chronological age as a metric for understanding changes in M–E and physical activity.
Transcranial Doppler: Does Addition of Blood to Agitated Saline Affect Sensitivity for Detecting Cardiac Right‐to‐Left Shunt?
Authors: Mojadidi Mohammad Khalid , Zhang Lili , Chugh Yashasvi , Eshtehardi Parham , Hovnanians Ninel , Gevorgyan Rubine , Mojaddedi Sanaullah , Nezami Nariman , Zaman Muhammad Omer , Rafique Asim , Villablanca Pedro A. , Tobis Jonathan M. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundTranscranial Doppler (TCD) with agitated saline has been shown to be an alternative for the detection of right‐to‐left shunts (RLS) with similar diagnostic accuracies as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). It is hypothesized that the addition of blood to agitated saline increases the sensitivity of TCD for the detection of RLS. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine whether agitated saline with blood increases the sensitivity of TCD for the detection of RLS compared to agitated saline alone and other contrast agents.MethodA systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase was performed to look for all prospective studies assessing intracardiac RLS using TCD compared with TEE as the reference; both tests were performed with a contrast agent and a maneuver to provoke RLS in all studies.ResultsA total of 27 studies (29 comparisons) with 1,968 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of 29 comparisons, 10 (35%) used echovist contrast during TCD, 4 (14%) used a gelatin‐based solution, 12 (41%) used agitated saline, and 3 (10%) utilized 2 different contrast agents. The addition of blood to agitated saline improved the sensitivity of TCD to 100% compared to agitated saline alone (96% sensitivity, P = 0.161), echovist (94% sensitivity, P = 0.044), and gelatin‐based solutions (93% sensitivity, P = 0.041).ConclusionThe addition of blood to agitated saline improves the sensitivity of TCD for the detection of RLS to 100% when compared to other conventional contrast agents; these findings support the addition of blood to agitated saline during TCD bubble studies.
Central nervous system prophylaxis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zahid Mohammad Faizan , Khan Nadia , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Kizilbash Sani Haider , Barta Stefan K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) involvement with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a relatively uncommon manifestation; with most cases of CNS involvement occuring during relapse after primary therapy. CNS dissemination typically occurs early in the disease course and is most likely present subclinically at the time of diagnosis in many patients who later relapse in the CNS. CNS relapse in these patients is associated with poor outcomes. Based on a CNS relapse rate of 5% in DLBCL and weighing the benefits against the toxicities, universal application of CNS prophylaxis is not justified. The introduction of rituximab has significantly reduced the incidence of CNS relapse in DLBCL. Different studies have employed other agents for CNS prophylaxis, such as intrathecal chemotherapy and high‐dose systemic agents with sufficient CNS penetration. If CNS prophylaxis is to be given, it should be preferably administered during primary chemotherapy. However, there is no strong evidence that supports any single approach for CNS prophylaxis. In this review, we outline different strategies of administering CNS prophylaxis in DLBCL patients reported in literature and discuss their advantages and drawbacks.
Long‐term depressive symptoms and anxiety after transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke in young adults
Authors: Maaijwee N. A. M. M. , Tendolkar I. , Rutten‐Jacobs L. C. A. , Arntz R. M. , Schaapsmeerders P. , Dorresteijn L. D. , Schoonderwaldt H. C. , van Dijk E. J. , de Leeuw F.‐E. 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeFew studies exist on long‐term post‐stroke depressive symptoms and anxiety in young adults, although these young patients have a particular interest in their long‐term prognosis, given their usually long life expectancy and being in the midst of an active social, working and family life. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety and their association with clinical and demographic variables and with functional outcome after stroke in young adults.Methods and resultsLong‐term prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety was calculated in 511 patients with a transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke, aged 18–50 years, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, compared with 147 controls. Functional outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL). 16.8% of patients had depressive symptoms and 23.0% had anxiety, versus 6.1% (P = 0.001) and 12.2% (P < 0.001) in controls. In ischaemic stroke patients, depressive symptoms and anxiety were associated with poor functional outcome (mRS > 2 or IADL < 8).ConclusionEven a decade after stroke at young age, depressive symptoms and anxiety were prevalent and associated with poor functional outcome. Therefore, even in the long term, treating physicians should be aware of the long‐term presence of these symptoms as their recognition may be the first step in improving long‐term functional independence.