bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incretin effect does not differ in trained and untrained, young, healthy men
Authors: Lund M. T. , Dalby S. , Hartmann B. , Helge J. , Holst J. J. , Dela F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimAfter both oral and intravenous glucose administration, peripheral insulin concentrations are lower in trained compared with untrained humans. Part of this is explained by an adaptation within the β‐cell. The insulin secretion rate is higher after oral compared with intravenous glucose administration due to the release of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) enhancing the glucose‐induced insulin secretion (the incretin effect). Our aim was to investigate whether GIP or GLP‐1 release or the incretin effect was different in trained compared with untrained humans after oral and intravenous glucose administration.MethodsA 3½‐h oral glucose tolerance test was performed in eleven trained and ten untrained, young, healthy men. On a separate day, an isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion was performed matching the individual glucose concentrations obtained during the oral glucose tolerance test. Blood samples for insulin, C‐peptide, GIP and GLP‐1 analyses were obtained frequently during both tests, and the insulin secretion rate, incretin effect and insulin clearance were calculated.ResultsPlasma GIP and GLP‐1 concentrations, the incretin effect and the insulin clearance did not differ, and plasma glucose, insulin and C‐peptide concentrations and the insulin secretion rate were lower in trained compared with untrained subjects during both tests.ConclusionWith no difference in incretin effect and insulin clearance between the two groups, the lower plasma insulin concentrations found in trained compared with untrained, young, healthy men are most likely explained by lower β‐cell sensitivity to glucose and enhanced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle in the former group.
The impacts of network centrality and self‐regulation on an e‐learning environment with the support of social network awareness
Authors: Lin Jian‐Wei , Huang Hsieh‐Hong , Chuang Yuh‐Shy 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn e‐learning environment that supports social network awareness (SNA) is a highly effective means of increasing peer interaction and assisting student learning by raising awareness of social and learning contexts of peers. Network centrality profoundly impacts student learning in anSNA‐related e‐learning environment. Additionally, self‐regulation behavior significantly influences online learning of students. However, exactly how network centrality and self‐regulation influence learning behavior and effectiveness in an e‐learning environment remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigates how both variables (ie, network centrality and self‐regulation) impact student learning in anSNA‐related e‐learning environment. Analytical results indicate that the student group with high‐level centrality and low‐level self‐regulation more significantly progresses in learning achievement than the other groups. The second finding shows the group also has the highest number of students asking for help, revealing they have the highest system utilization rate.
Video game learning dynamics: Actionable measures of multidimensional learning trajectories
Authors: Reese Debbie Denise , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Kosko Robert E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractValid, accessible, reusable methods for instructional video game design and embedded assessment can provide actionable information enhancing individual and collective achievement. Cyberlearning through game‐based, metaphor‐enhanced learning objects (CyGaMEs) design and embedded assessment quantify player behavior to study knowledge discovery and application. CyGaMEs is grounded by analogical reasoning theory, cognitive task analysis and knowledge representation. A construct representation argument for validity using evidence‐centered design warrants CyGaMEs, its web‐based learning environment, Selene: A Lunar Construction GaME, its embedded assessment, and a learning dynamics approach to student, measurement and statistical models. Two studies (US volunteers, Study 1: n = 267, mean (M)age = 15; Study 2: n = 90, Mage = 12) cross‐validate learning dynamics (learner progress, rate of progress and changes in that rate) for Selene's multidimensional goals while players learn and apply standard‐based science about fundamental geology and space science concepts. Gameplay data analyzed using regression, calculus and hierarchical linear modeling exhibit overall relatively high standardized rates of progress toward each goal statistically higher than zero. For example, adjusting for nesting within individual players, average rate of progress toward the goal of accreting lunar mass is a z‐score of 1.4 (99% confidence interval = 1.40lower, 1.48upper) or 1.4 standard deviations above zero.
Is breastfeeding in infancy predictive of child mental well‐being and protective against obesity at 9 years of age?
Authors: Reynolds D. , Hennessy E. , Polek E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreventing child mental health problems and child obesity have been recognized as public health priorities. The aim of the present study was to examine whether being breastfed (at all or exclusively) in infancy was a predictor of mental well‐being and protective against risk of obesity at age 9.MethodsCross‐sectional data from a large, nationally representative cohort study in the Republic of Ireland was used (n = 8357). Data on breastfeeding were retrospectively recalled. Child mental well‐being was assessed using a parent‐completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Child's height and weight were measured using scientifically calibrated instruments.ResultsLogistic regression analyses indicated that, after controlling for a wide range of potential confounding variables, being breastfed in infancy was associated with a 26% (P < 0.05) reduction in the risk of an abnormal SDQ score at 9 years. Being breastfed remained a significant predictor of child mental well‐being when child obesity was controlled for, indicating that being breastfed, independent of child obesity, is a predictor of child mental well‐being. The results of a second logistic regression indicated that, after controlling for a wide range of potential confounding variables, being breastfed for between 11 and 25 weeks was associated with a 36% (P < 0.05) reduction in the risk of obesity at 9 years, while being breastfed for 26 weeks or longer was associated with a 48% (P < 0.01) reduction in the risk of obesity at 9 years.ConclusionsBreastfeeding in infancy may protect against both poor mental well‐being and obesity in childhood.
Weight status is associated with cross‐sectional trajectories of motor co‐ordination across childhood
Authors: Lopes V. P. , Stodden D. F. , Rodrigues L. P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearch indicates the development of motor co‐ordination (MC) may be an important contributing factor to positive or negative weight trajectories across childhood.ObjectivesTo analyse cross‐sectional associations between MC and weight status in children (boys n = 3344 – girls n = 3281), aged 6–11 years and assess overweight/obese risk across different ages.MethodsBody mass index (BMI) was calculated [body mass (kg)/height (m2)]. MC was evaluated using the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder (KTK) and a motor quotient (MQ) was calculated. MQ distribution data were split into tertiles. The effect of age, sex and MQ tertiles on BMI and MC was tested with a factorial anova. A logistic regression also was performed to calculate odd ratios (OR) for being overweight/obese at each age.ResultsChildren with higher MQ demonstrated lower BMI levels (F(2,6224) = 222.09; P < 0.001). Differences in BMI among MQ tertiles became larger across age (F(10,6224) = 4.53; P < 0.001). The OR of being overweight/obese in both sexes within the lowest MQ tertile increased in each age group from 6 to 11 years. Specifically, OR increased from 2.26 to 27.77 and from 1.87 to 6.81 in boys and girls respectively.ConclusionsChildren with low levels of MC have a higher risk of being overweight/obese and this risk increases with age.
High‐fluoride toothpaste: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in adults
Authors: Srinivasan Murali , Schimmel Martin , Riesen Martine , Ilgner Alexander , Wicht Michael J. , Warncke Michael , Ellwood Roger P. , Nitschke Ina , Müller Frauke , Noack Michael J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this single – blind, multicenter, parallel, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of a high‐fluoride toothpaste on root caries in adults.MethodsAdult patients (n = 130, ♂ = 74, ♀ = 56; mean age ± SD: 56.9 ± 12.9) from three participating centers, diagnosed with root caries, were randomly allocated into two groups: Test (n = 64, ♂ = 37, ♀ = 27; lesions = 144; mean age: 59.0 ± 12.1; intervention: high‐fluoride toothpaste with 5000 ppm F), and Control (n = 66, ♂ = 37, ♀ = 29; lesions = 160; mean age: 54.8 ± 13.5; intervention: regular‐fluoride toothpaste with 1350 ppm F) groups. Clinical examinations and surface hardness scoring of the carious lesions were performed for each subject at specified time intervals (T0 – at baseline before intervention, T1 – at 3 months and T2 – at 6 months after intervention). Mean surface hardness scores (HS) were calculated for each patient. Statistical analyses comprised of two‐way analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni–Dunn correction.ResultsAt T0, there was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to gender (P = 0.0682, unpaired t‐test), or age (P = 0.9786, chi‐squared test), and for the overall HS (Test group: HS = 3.4 ± 0.61; Control group: HS = 3.4 ± 0.66; P = 0.8757, unpaired t‐test). The anova revealed significantly better HS for the test group than for the control groups (T1: Test group: HS = 2.9 ± 0.67; Control group: HS = 3.1 ± 0.75; T2: Test group: HS = 2.4 ± 0.81; Control group: HS = 2.8 ± 0.79; P < 0.0001). However, the interaction term time‐point*group was not significant.ConclusionsThe application of a high‐fluoride containing dentifrice (5000 ppm F) in adults, twice daily, significantly improves the surface hardness of otherwise untreated root caries lesions when compared with the use of regular fluoride containing (1350 ppm F) toothpastes.
Levels of interleukin 33 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yan Jun , Lin Clement Y.H. , Pfluger Casey M. , McCombe Pamela A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimInterleukin 33 (IL‐33) functions as an alarmin and is produced by damaged tissue. It is reported that the levels of both IL‐33 and its receptor, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), are elevated in some inflammatory diseases. As acute ischemic stroke causes local inflammation and a systemic immune response, the aim of the present study was to examine the changes of IL‐33 and sST2 serum levels in patients with stroke.MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum levels of IL‐33 and sST2 in 56 healthy subjects and total 28 stroke patients on day 1, day 7, and week 3 after stroke. The correlation of changes of IL‐33 and sST2 serum levels with clinical features of stroke patients was determined.ResultsThe levels of sST2 were significantly reduced on day 1, week 1 and week 3 after stroke (P < 0.0001 at all three time‐points). The levels of sST2 at week 1 and 3 were significantly correlated with 6‐month modified Barthel index scores.ConclusionsThe serum level of sST2 could predict the recovery of stroke. IL‐33 serum level might be protective from brain tissue damage of stroke. Regulation of IL‐33/sST2 pathway after stroke might be related to the peripheral immune response induced by ischemic stroke.
NLRP3 “inflammasome” plays a central role in “inflammatory” demyelination of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yamamura Takashi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the innate immune system, the NOD‐like receptors recognize various pathogen‐associated and danger‐associated molecular patterns in immunocompetent cells. These diverse stimuli rapidly induce the formation of inflammasomes that serve as a molecular platform for efficient activation of caspase‐1, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐18. Recent studies have shown that aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in inflammatory processes of gout, Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's disease. However, its role in multiple sclerosis remains unknown. The study of Kawana et al. in the present issue of the journal might provide a clue to the possible role of NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammatory demyelination of multiple sclerosis.
CCCTC‐binding factor mediates effects of glucose on beta cell survival
Authors: Tsui S. , Dai W. , Lu L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesPancreatic islet β‐cell survival is paramount for regulation of insulin activity and for maintaining glucose homeostasis. Recently, Pax6 has been shown to be essential for many vital functions in β‐cells, although many molecular mechanisms of its homeostasis in β‐cells remain unclear. The present study investigates novel effects of glucose‐ and insulin‐induced CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF) activity on Pax6 gene expression as well as for subsequent effects of insulin‐activated signalling pathways, on β‐cell proliferation.Materials and methodsPancreatic β‐TC‐1‐6 cells were cultured in DMEM and stimulated with high concentrations of glucose (5–125 mm); cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Effects of CTCF on Pax6 were evaluated in the high glucose‐induced environment and CTCF/Erk‐suppressed cells, by promoter reporter and western blotting analyses.ResultsIncreases in glucose and insulin concentrations upregulated CTCF and consequently downregulated Pax6 in β‐cell survival and proliferation. Knocking‐down CTCF directly affected Pax6 transcription through CTCF binding and blocked the response to glucose. Altered Erk activity mediated effects of CTCF on controlling Pax6 expression, which partially regulated β‐cell proliferation.ConclusionsCTCF functioned as a molecular mediator between insulin‐induced upstream Erk signalling and Pax6 expression in these pancreatic β‐cells. This pathway may contribute to regulation of β‐cell survival and proliferation.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and Kimura's disease – a clinical and histopathological comparison
Authors: Buder Kristina , Ruppert Sabrina , Trautmann Axel , Bröcker Eva‐Bettina , Goebeler Matthias , Kerstan Andreas 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAngiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a benign vascular neoplasm mainly affecting middle‐aged women. Lesions typically affect the head and neck region. ALHE is considered a distinct disease entity different from Kimura's disease, a benign reactive lymphoid proliferation that is predominantly seen in young Asian men although it can affect all ethnic groups. In contrast to ALHE, Kimura's disease is typically associated with peripheral blood eosinophilia, increased serum IgE and lymphadenopathy. Several case reports suggest an overlap between ALHE and Kimura's disease. We review the current literature and discuss whether AHLE and Kimura's disease might represent two extreme variants of the same disease entity.
Propofol versus traditional sedative agents for advanced endoscopic procedures: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sethi Saurabh , Wadhwa Vaibhav , Thaker Adarsh , Chuttani Ram , Pleskow Douglas K. , Barnett Sheila R. , Leffler Daniel A. , Berzin Tyler M. , Sethi Nidhi , Sawhney Mandeep S. 
Published: December 2013

Background and AimThe optimum method for sedation for advanced endoscopic procedures is not known. Propofol deep sedation has a faster recovery time than traditional sedative agents, but may be associated with increased complication rates. The aim of the present study was to pool data from all available studies to systematically compare the efficacy and safety of propofol with traditional sedative agents for advanced endoscopic procedures.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials updated as of January 2013 were searched. Main outcome measures were procedure duration, recovery time, incidence of complications (hypotension, hypoxia), sedation level, patient cooperation and amnesia during advanced endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasonography, and deep small bowel enteroscopy.ResultsNine prospective randomized trials with a total of 969 patients (485 propofol, 484 conscious sedation) were included inthe meta‐analysis. Pooled mean difference in procedure duration between propofol and traditional sedative agents was −2.3 min [95% CI: −6.36 to 1.76, P = 0.27], showing no significant difference in procedure duration between the two groups. Pooled mean difference in recovery time was −30.26 min [95% CI: −46.72 to −13.80, P < 0.01], showing significantly decreased recovery time with propofol. There was also no significant difference between the two groups with regard to hypoxia and hypotension.ConclusionsPropofol for advanced endoscopic procedures is associated with shorter recovery time, better sedation and amnesia level without an increased risk of cardiopulmonary complications. Overall patient cooperation was also improved with propofol sedation.
Perspectives on narrow‐band imaging endoscopy for superficial squamous neoplasms of the orohypopharynx and esophagus
Authors: Goda Kenichi , Dobashi Akira , Tajiri Hisao 
Published: December 2013

Background and AimNarrow‐band imaging (NBI) is widely available and over the last decade has been applied as a detection and characterization technique for superficial neoplasms of the aerodigestive tract. The aims of the present study were to systematically review clinical trials of NBI endoscopy and to investigate an upgraded NBI system using a novel endoscope for superficial squamous neoplasms in the orohypopharynx and esophagus.MethodsStudies on the diagnostic use of NBI endoscopy for superficial squamous neoplasms in the orohypopharynx and esophagus were retrieved from MEDLINE and PubMed and reviewed. An upgraded NBI system using a novel endoscope was investigated with our clinical cases.ResultsIn many clinical trials, NBI endoscopy with or without magnification had high diagnostic value for superficial squamousneoplasms in the orohypopharynx and esophagus. An upgraded NBI system can produce a significantly brighter endoscopic view than conventional endoscopes with high‐quality magnified images that could be used to diagnose superficial squamous neoplasms.ConclusionsNBI endoscopy with or without magnification has diagnostic utility for superficial squamous neoplasms in the orohypopharynx and esophagus. The upgraded NBI endoscopic system is expected to facilitate the use of NBI and magnifying endoscopic diagnosis.
Feasibility of Myocardial Performance Index for Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function during Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography before and after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Hashemi Nashmil , Samad Bassem A. , Hedman Anders , Brodin Lars‐Åke , Alam Mahbubul 
Published: December 2013

AimsMyocardial performance index (MPI) is a measure of combined systolic and diastolic myocardial function. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) an increase in MPI is consistent with myocardial dysfunction. The objectives of this study were to characterize the changes in MPI after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) at rest and at peak dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).Methods and ResultsThirty‐six patients diagnosed with CAD and accepted for CABG were studied by standard echocardiography and DSE 1 month prior and 3 month after CABG. The MPI was calculated using pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW‐TDI) of the left ventricular (LV) wall‐motion velocity. At baseline, ejection fraction (EF; 42.7 ± 8%) and wall‐motion score index (WMSI; 1.1 ± 0.2) were impaired at rest as well as at peak DSE (EF; 49.2 ± 9 and WMSI 1.4 ± 0.2). MPI was prolonged both at rest (0.61 ± 0.13) and at peak DSE (0.78 ± 0.16). After CABG, EF and WMSI did not improve at rest (43.7 ± 8% and 1.1 ± 0.2, respectively). On the other hand, MPI improved substantially both at rest (0.45 ± 0.08; P < 0.001) and at peak DSE (0.56 ± 0.1; P < 0.001). At peak DSE an improvement of EF (54.2 ± 9; P < 0.05) and WMSI (1.1 ± 0.16; P < 0.001) was seen as well.ConclusionMyocardial performance index shows significant improvement after CABG in patients with CAD both at rest and peak DSE and appears to be a sensitive measure of myocardial function.
Tribute to Tinbergen: Public Engagement in Ethology
Authors: Hecht Julie , Cooper Caren B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPublic engagement in research, called citizen science, has led to advances in a range of fields like astronomy, ornithology, and public health. While volunteers have been making and sharing observations according to protocols set by researchers in numerous disciplines, citizen science practices are less common in the field of animal behavior. We consider how citizen science might be used to address animal behavior questions at Tinbergen's four levels of analysis. We briefly review resources and methods for addressing technical issues surrounding volunteer participation—such as data quality—so that citizen science can make long‐standing contributions to the field of animal behavior.
The influence of local spring temperature variance on temperature sensitivity of spring phenology
Authors: Wang Tao , Ottlé Catherine , Peng Shushi , Janssens Ivan A. , Lin Xin , Poulter Benjamin , Yue Chao , Ciais Philippe 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe impact of climate warming on the advancement of plant spring phenology has been heavily investigated over the last decade and there exists great variability among plants in their phenological sensitivity to temperature. However, few studies have explicitly linked phenological sensitivity to local climate variance. Here, we set out to test the hypothesis that the strength of phenological sensitivity declines with increased local spring temperature variance, by synthesizing results across ground observations. We assemble ground‐based long‐term (20–50 years) spring phenology database (PEP725 database) and the corresponding climate dataset. We find a prevalent decline in the strength of phenological sensitivity with increasing local spring temperature variance at the species level from ground observations. It suggests that plants might be less likely to track climatic warming at locations with larger local spring temperature variance. This might be related to the possibility that the frost risk could be higher in a larger local spring temperature variance and plants adapt to avoid this risk by relying more on other cues (e.g., high chill requirements, photoperiod) for spring phenology, thus suppressing phenological responses to spring warming. This study illuminates that local spring temperature variance is an understudied source in the study of phenological sensitivity and highlight the necessity of incorporating this factor to improve the predictability of plant responses to anthropogenic climate change in future studies.