bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SINGLE-AGENT, MINIMAL DOSE, MINIMAL EXPOSURE INTRAARTERIAL CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RETINOBLASTOMA IN A 4-MONTH-OLD INFANT
Authors: Fulco Enzo A. M. , Shields Carol L. , Bianciotto Carlos G. , Jabbour Pascal , Shields Jerry A. 
Published: November 2012

Purpose:
To document minimal dose and minimal exposure of chemotherapy for unilateral retinoblastoma.

Methods:
A 4-month-old infant developed leukocoria in the right eye and was found to have unilateral sporadic retinoblastoma.

Results:
The right eye was classified as Group D retinoblastoma, with a single large tumor, moderate subretinal seeding, and total retinal detachment. The retinoblastoma measured 20 mm in basal dimension and 13 mm in ultrasonographic thickness. Options of enucleation, intravenous chemotherapy, and intraarterial chemotherapy were offered, but the latter was chosen because of anticipated, rapid, and more complete response with intraarterial rather than intravenous chemotherapy. After using low dose (3 mg) of single-agent melphalan delivered over 30 minutes into the ostium of the ophthalmic artery of the 4-month-old infant, a complete response with Type 1 regression (complete calcification) of the mass and resolution of all subretinal fluid was found. A second similar dose was delivered to ensure remission of all seeds and tumor with stable findings. Further chemotherapy was stopped. On 6 months of follow-up, the child displayed complete tumor control with 2 cycles of lowest dose (3 mg) intraarterial melphalan. There were no complications.

Conclusion:
In infants younger than 6 months, low dose of only 3-mg single-agent melphalan could be sufficient to control retinoblastoma with minimal exposure.
Hepatic Fibrosis Persists and Progresses Despite Biochemical Improvement in Children Treated With Intravenous Fish Oil Emulsion
Authors: Mercer David F. , Hobson Brandy D. , Fischer Ryan T. , Talmon Geoffrey A. , Perry Deborah A. , Gerhardt Brandi K. , Grant Wendy J. , Botha Jean F. , Langnas Alan N. , Quiros‐Tejeira Ruben E. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) is a multifactorial process, which can culminate in cirrhosis and need for transplantation. Fish oil–based lipid emulsions (FOE) reportedly reverse hyperbilirubinemia, but there are little data on their effect on the histopathology of IFALD.Methods:We blindly examined sequential liver biopsy data on 6 children receiving FOE, with scoring of cholestasis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ductal proliferation based on standardized systems. This information was correlated with biochemical and clinical data to determine any possible relations between biologic and histologic improvement.Results:The median gestational age was 35 weeks, median birth weight 2064 g, and common most reason for intestinal loss was gastroschisis (5/6 children). Median intestinal length was 26 cm beyond the ligament of Treitz and most children had roughly 2 of 3 of their colonic length. It was observed that although hyperbilirubinemia reversed and hepatic synthetic function was preserved across timepoints, fibrosis was persistent in 2 cases, progressive in 3 cases, and regressed in only 1. It remained severe (grade 2 or higher) in 5 of 6 children at last biopsy. Histologic findings of cholestasis improved in all patients and inflammation improved in 5 of 6 children. There were mixed effects on ductal proliferation and steatosis.Conclusions:In children treated with FOE, reversal of hyperbilirubinemia is not reflected by a similar histologic regression of fibrosis at the timepoints studied. Children with IFALD should have active ongoing treatment and be considered for early referral to an Intestinal Failure Program even with a normalized bilirubin.
Non‐random extinctions dominate plant community changes in abandoned coppices
Authors: Kopecký Martin , Hédl Radim , Szabó Péter 
Published: December 2012

Summary

The plant community structure of European lowland forests has changed dramatically in the twentieth century, leading to biodiversity decline at various spatial scales. However, due to methodological difficulties associated with simultaneous changes in species diversity and composition, ecological processes behind the changes are still poorly understood.

We analysed temporal changes in forest plant community after the mid‐twentieth‐century abandonment of coppicing in a typical Central European forest, which had been managed as coppice for centuries. We used 122 semi‐permanent plots first surveyed in the 1950s shortly after the last coppicing and again in the 2000s after half a century of natural succession. We used a novel temporal nestedness analysis to disentangle the immigration and extinction processes underlying temporal changes in community structure and tested whether species gains and losses were ecologically random.

The studied vegetation has shifted from the species‐rich assemblages of a relatively open and low‐nutrient forest towards the impoverished flora of a closed‐canopy forest dominated by a few shade‐adapted species. The significant reduction in beta diversity, that is, compositional heterogeneity among plots, indicated taxonomic homogenization of the forest understorey. Temporal species turnover was only a minor component of the community change, and recent assemblages are nested subsets of the former ones. Ecologically non‐random extinctions dominated these changes. Light‐demanding species with a persistent seed bank were the most prone to extinction, while species with high specific leaf area substantially increased in frequency.

Synthesis and applications. The dominant process after the abandonment of coppicing was the ecologically non‐random extinction of light‐demanding species, leading to an impoverished, temporally nested plant community structure. This development is typical for many abandoned coppices and poses a significant threat to forest biodiversity in Europe. If forestry and conservation policies continue to prefer closed‐canopy stands, many endangered species are likely to pay their extinction debts. To restore declining or even locally extinct species, canopy opening in abandoned coppices is urgently needed.
Phenology of Dryopteris affinis ssp. affinis and Polystichum aculeatum: modeling relationships to the climatic variables in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Landi Marco , Zoccola Antonio , Bacaro Giovanni , Angiolini Claudia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe phenology of leaves and stages from immature sori to spore release were studied in natural populations of two perennial herbaceous ferns, Dryopteris affinis ssp. affinis and Polystichum aculeatum, for 2 years in Italy. The Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) was used to predict a particular phenological event from the climatic variables. Both fern species are evergreen with leaf lifespan of 13–14 months in D. affinis ssp. affinis and 15–24 months in P. aculeatum. Their leaf production is seasonal with most flushed in spring. In D. affinis ssp. affinis the decaying of old leaves is sudden whereas in P. aculeatum it is gradual, and in both types the decaying is accelerated just as the new leaves emerge. Temperature is the best predictor for the development of sori and spore release. The end of spore release and leaf emergence are positively affected by temperature and negatively affected by rainfall and snow cover for P. aculeatum. An almost similar response to climatic factors of emergent and senescent leaves and their phenology supportsthe hypothesis that old leaves serve as nutrient storage organs for new leaf growth. Comparison the phenological patterns between the 2 years indicated that the time lapses between each phenological event were the same within seasons for D. affinis ssp. affinis but show some differences for P. aculeatum. We also hypothesize that endogenous factors may play an important role in the phenology of P. aculeatum.
Obstetric factors and different causes of special educational need: retrospective cohort study of 407 503 schoolchildren
Authors: Mackay DF , Smith GCS , Dobbie R , Cooper S‐A , Pell JP 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo determine whether relationships with gestational age and birthweight centile vary between specific causes of special educational need (SEN).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingScotland.PopulationA cohort of 407 503 schoolchildren.MethodsPolytomous logistic regression was used to examine the risk of each cause of SEN across the spectrum of gestation at delivery and birthweight centile, adjusting for potential confounding factors.Main outcome measuresCrude and adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals.ResultsOf the 19 821 children with SEN, 557 (2.8%) had sensory impairments, 812 (4.1%) had physical or motor disabilities, 876 (4.4%) had language impairments, 2823 (14.2%) had social, emotional, or behavioural problems, 7018 (35.4%) had intellectual disabilities, 4404 (22.2%) had specific learning difficulties, and 1684 (8.5%) autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Extreme preterm delivery (at 24–27 weeks of gestation) was a strong predictor of sensory (adjusted OR 23.64, 95% CI 12.03–46.45), physical or motor (adjusted OR 29.69, 95% CI 17.49–50.40), and intellectual (adjusted OR 11.67, 95% CI 8.46–16.10) impairments, with dose relationships across the range of gestation. Similarly, birthweight below the third centile was associated with sensory (adjusted OR 2.85, 95% CI 2.04–3.99), physical or motor (adjusted OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.82–3.37), and intellectual (adjusted OR 2.67, 95% CI 2.41–2.96) impairments. Together, gestation and birthweight centile accounted for 24.0% of SEN arising from sensory impairment, 34.3% arising from physical or motor disabilities, and 26.6% arising from intellectual disabilities. Obstetric factors were less strongly associated with specific learning difficulties and social or emotional problems, and there were no significant associations with ASD.ConclusionsThe association between gestation and birthweight centile and overall risk of SEN is largely driven by very strong associations with sensory, physical or motor impairments, and intellectual impairments.
Mechanisms for flowering plants to benefit arthropod natural enemies of insect pests: Prospects for enhanced use in agriculture
Authors: Lu Zhong‐Xian , Zhu Ping‐Yang , Gurr Geoff M. , Zheng Xu‐Song , Read Donna M. Y. , Heong Kong‐Luen , Yang Ya‐Jun , Xu Hong‐Xing 
Published: December 2012

AbstractReduction of noncrop habitats, intensive use of pesticides and high levels of disturbance associated with intensive crop production simplify the farming landscape and bring about a sharp decline of biodiversity. This, in turn, weakens the biological control ecosystem service provided by arthropod natural enemies. Strategic use of flowering plants to enhance plant biodiversity in a well‐targeted manner can provide natural enemies with food sources and shelter to improve biological control and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. This article reviews the nutritional value of various types of plant‐derived food for natural enemies, possible adverse effects on pest management, and the practical application of flowering plants in orchards, vegetables and field crops, agricultural systems where most research has taken place. Prospects for more effective use of flowering plants to maximize biological control of insect pests in agroecosystem are good but depend up on selection of optimal plant species based on information on the ecological mechanisms by which natural enemies are selectively favored over pest species.
Video‐assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for unexpected pathologic N2 non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Wenyong , Chen Xiaofeng , Zhang Huijun , Zhang Hui , Zhao Mingchuan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study was performed to assess early and late outcomes of pathologic N2 disease unexpectedly detected in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for clinical stage I.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of patients with unexpected N2 non‐small cell lung cancer and their early and late outcomes in the VATS lobectomy group versus the open thoracotomy lobectomy group.ResultsThe overall survival time for all 358 patients was 33.26 ± 0.90 months. The overall survival time for 117 cases in the VATS lobectomy group was 36.02 ± 1.44 months. The overall survival time for 241 cases in the open thoracotomy lobectomy group was 31.92 ± 1.14 months. The survival rates for patients in the VATS lobectomy group were 92.31%, 36.75%, 5.13% at one, three, and five years, respectively. The survival rates for patients in the open thoracotomy lobectomy group were 92.12%, 21.58%, 2.49% at one, three, and five years, respectively. A significant difference was found between the two groups regarding this factor (, P = 0.049).ConclusionsVATS lobectomy is feasible and safe to perform on patients with minimal N2 non‐small cell lung cancer. Even if lymph node metastasis is unexpectedly detected during surgery, with rigorous preoperative evaluation and systematic lymph node dissection, there is no need to convert to open thoracotomy lobectomy.
Fasting blood glucose predicts response to extended‐release metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Corbould Anne , Swinton Fiona , Radford Andrea , Campbell Joanne , McBeath Sue , Dennis Amanda 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundMetformin is increasingly accepted as an alternative to insulin therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The Metformin in Gestational Diabetes (MiG) trial reported similar pregnancy outcomes for metformin versus insulin; however, supplemental insulin was required in 46% of women on metformin.AimsWe aimed to identify predictors of response to metformin monotherapy in women with GDM attending a general hospital antenatal clinic.MethodsWe offered extended‐release metformin to women diagnosed with GDM (ADIPS 1998 criteria) at ≥24 weeks of gestation. If glucose targets were not achieved (≤5.0 mmol/L fasting, ≤6.7 mmol/L two‐h post‐meal), women were changed to insulin. We carried out an audit to determine characteristics of metformin responders versus nonresponders.ResultsTwenty‐five women chose initial metformin therapy; 16 (64%) achieved satisfactory glycaemic control (responders). Nine women (36%) were changed to insulin: seven due to inadequate control (nonresponders) and two had metformin intolerance. Fasting glucose at oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was significantly lower in metformin responders versus nonresponders; two‐h glucose and BMI did not differ. Ninety‐three percent of women with fasting glucose ≤5.2 mmol/L responded to metformin: conversely, at fasting glucose >5.2 mmol/L, 33% responded (P = 0.005). Neonatal outcomes were similar in metformin responders and nonresponders, women who chose initial insulin therapy (n = 25), or were diet‐controlled (n = 21).ConclusionsIn women with GDM, fasting glucose on OGTT predicted response to metformin: at fasting glucose ≤5.2 mmol/L, the probability of response was 93%. Antenatal clinics should determine locally relevant predictors of response to metformin in women with GDM.
EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria
Authors: Konstantinou G. N. , Asero R. , Ferrer M. , Knol E. F. , Maurer M. , Raap U. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Skol P. S. , Grattan C. E. H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAn autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Functional autoantibodies in chronic urticaria (CU) patient sera have been demonstrated against IgE and FcεRIα by basophil and mast cell histamine release assays and by basophil activation assays. Antibody specificity has been confirmed by immunoassay, but there is a poor correlation between functionality and immunoreactivity. Approximately 25% of CU patients have a positive basophil histamine release assay and show autoreactivity (a positive autologous serum skin test), whereas 50% are negative regarding both. Functionality of CU sera appears to be complement dependent on mast cells but not exclusively on basophils. Basophil activation by CU sera is predominantly restricted to IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Circumstantial evidence for CU being an autoimmune disease comes from an observed association with other autoimmune diseases, a strong association between serum functionality and HLA‐DR4 haplotype and the good response of CU patients to immunotherapies. It was proposed that a study should be undertaken to prospectively validate potentially relevant clinical criteria (from the history, examination and routinely available clinical investigations) against a new ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of ACU (positive autoreactivity, functional bioassay and immunoassay) to define preliminary criteria sets for the diagnosis of ACU based on clinical and laboratory features with highest individual sensitivity and specificity.
Interacting mast cells and eosinophils acquire an enhanced activation state in vitro
Authors: Elishmereni M. , Bachelet I. , Nissim Ben‐Efraim A. H. , Mankuta D. , Levi‐Schaffer F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMast cells (MCs) and eosinophils (Eos), the key effector cells in allergy, are abundantly co‐localized particularly in the late and chronic stages of allergic inflammation. Recent evidence has outlined a specialized ‘allergic effector unit’ in which MCs and Eos communicate via both soluble mediators and physical contact. However, the functional impact of this bi‐directional crosstalk on the cells' effector activities has not yet been revealed. We aimed to investigate whether MC/eosinophil interactions can influence the immediate and late activation phenotypes of these cells.MethodsHuman and murine MCs and Eos were co‐cultured under various conditions for 1–2 h or 1–3 days, and in selected experiments cell–cell contact was blocked. Cell migration and mediator release were examined, and flow cytometry was applied to stain intracellular signaling molecules and surface receptors.ResultsEosinophils enhanced basal MCs mediator release and co‐stimulated IgE‐activated MCs through physical contact involving CD48–2B4 interactions. Reciprocally, resting and IgE‐stimulated MCs led to eosinophil migration and activation through a paracrine‐dependent mechanism. Increased phosphorylation of activation‐associated signaling molecules, and enhanced release of tumor necrosis factor α, was observed in long‐term co‐cultures. Eosinophils also showed enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, which depended on direct contact with MCs.ConclusionsOur findings reveal a new role for MC/eosinophil interplay in augmenting short‐ and long‐term activation in both cells, in a combined physical/paracrine manner. This enhanced functional activity may thus critically contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory response in allergic conditions.
Atopy patch tests are useful to predict oral tolerance in children with gastrointestinal symptoms related to non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy
Authors: Nocerino R. , Granata V. , Di Costanzo M. , Pezzella V. , Leone L. , Passariello A. , Terrin G. , Troncone R. , Berni Canani R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAtopy patch tests (APTs) have been proposed for the diagnostic approach in children with non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy and gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to investigate the benefit of APTs in predicting oral tolerance in these patients. We prospectively evaluated 172 subjects with a sure diagnosis of non‐IgE‐mediated CMA and gastrointestinal symptoms (97 boys, 56.4%; age, 6.37 m; range, 2–12 m). At diagnosis, 113/172 (65.7%) children had positive APTs to cow's milk proteins (CMP). After 12 months of exclusion, diet APTs were repeated immediately before OFC. APTs significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with the OFC outcome (r 0.579). Diagnostic accuracy was sensitivity of 67.95%, specificity of 88.3%, PPV of 82.81%, NPV of 76.85%, and a +LR of 5.80. APTs are a valuable tool in the follow‐up of children with non‐IgE‐mediated CMA‐related gastrointestinal symptoms by contributing in determining whether an OFC can safely be undertaken.
Comparison of cadherin and integrin localization in bovine cystic and healthy follicles
Authors: Ohira Tomomi , Murayama Chiaki , Shimizu Takashi , Yoshimura Yukinori , Isobe Naoki 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAs stage progresses in the cystic follicle, granulosa cells are lost. We hypothesized that the granulosa and theca interna layers are detached in association with weakened expression of cell adhesion molecules such as cadherin (cell–cell adhesion) and integrin (cell–extracellular matrix adhesion) in cystic follicles. To elucidate this hypothesis, we immunolocalized these molecules in the granulosa and theca interna and compared them between cystic and small healthy follicles. Sections were immunostained with cadherin and integrin β1 antibodies and their localizations were compared. Cadherin‐positive reaction was seen in the cytoplasma of all granulosa cells. No increase in the frequency of cadherin‐positive area in the granulosa layers and the intensity of cadherin immunoreaction in the theca interna was detected in cystic follicles compared with healthy ones. A dense immunoreaction product of integrin β1 was detected in the theca interna in both cystic and healthy follicles. Intensity of integrin β1‐immuno reaction in the granulosa layers and integrin β1‐positive area in the theca interna was significantly lower in the cystic follicle than in the healthy follicles. These results suggest that granulosa and theca interna cells are detached while maintaining the cell–cell adhesion, resulting in the consequent loss of these layers from the cystic follicle.
Characterization of the intronic VNTR polymorphisms found in a paralog of chicken serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Abe Hideaki , Takeuchi Hiro‐aki , Yamada Satoko , Nakamura Akihiro , Nagao Kenji , Nirasawa Keijiro , Ito Shin'ichi , Inoue‐Murayama Miho 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPolymorphisms in the neurotransmitter‐related genes can be a major source of behavioral variations. We searched for polymorphic sites in chicken neurotransmitter‐related genes and identified two variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) loci encompassing the paralog of chicken serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTT). Both intronic VNTR were highly polymorphic across chicken breeds and the other Galliformes species, even though predominant alleles were considerably different among breeds. One VNTR locus contained sequences complementary to a conserved motif of CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) within each repetitive unit, indicating that transcription of chicken 5‐HTT paralog may be regulated by the CTCF protein. It is of great interest to contrast these results with previous knowledge on the human 5‐HTT that also has CTCF binding sites in the repetitive units of intronic VNTR. Additionally, we measured the degree of impulsiveness in domestic chicks for their preference of immediate/small to large/delayed rewards. A significant difference in the impulsiveness score was detected between two chicken breeds (White Leghorn vs. Boris Brown; P < 0.01), as well as between White Leghorn chicks with different 5‐HTT genotypes. These findings imply the possibility that 5‐HTT VNTR genotypes may have some impact on chicks' impulsive choice by modifying the serotonergic neurotransmission.