bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of the relative risk for goitre in euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Díez Juan J. , Iglesias Pedro 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAimTo assess the relative risk for goitre in a cohort of euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes with special reference to the use of metformin and insulin therapy.Patients and methodsEight hundred euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes (433 women, mean age 65·8 ± 12·5 years) and 671 euthyroid subjects without diabetes were retrospectively evaluated. There were 250 patients on metformin and 455 patients on insulin treatment.ResultsThe gender‐, age‐, body mass index‐ and thyrotropin (TSH)‐adjusted relative risk for goitre occurring among diabetic patients relative to controls was 3·01 (1·61–5·64) (P < 0·01). This odds ratio was significant in females, patients with and without metformin therapy, patients without insulin therapy and without micro‐ and macrovascular complications of diabetes. However, male pateints, patients on insulin therapy or with micro‐ or macroangiopathy did not exhibit an increase in the risk of goitre. Patients on metformin therapy showed a significant increase in the risk of goitre only in the absence of insulin therapy. Multi‐adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that goitre was significantly related to gender, TSH and haemoglobin A1c levels. Metformin and insulin therapy were nonsignificant variables in this model.ConclusionThis is the first survey analysing the relationship between the presence of palpable goitre and clinical parameters in a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. Our data suggest a significant relationship between goitre and glycaemic control, but do not support the presence of independent and significant relationships between goitre and metformin or insulin treatment in euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes.
Correlations with six‐month protocol biopsy findings in pediatric transplant recipients on low‐ and regular‐dose CNI regimens
Authors: Kanzelmeyer Nele K. , Ahlenstiel Thurid , Kreuzer Martin , Becker Jan U. , Pape Lars 
Published: February 2013

AbstractProtocol biopsies (PB) are seldom performed after pediatric kidney transplantation (KTx), and factors influencing PB results have not previously been investigated. We performed PB in 79 children six months after KTx and evaluated the results using Banff 2007 criteria. Complications such as bleeding or infections were not detected. The influence of different variables on PB results was evaluated by covariance analysis. Children treated with a low‐dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) together with an mTOR inhibitor exhibited decreased subclinical rejection (0% vs. 19%, p = 0.001) and decreased interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) (15% vs. 42%, p = 0.013) compared with patients treated with a conventional regimen consisting of normal‐dose CNI and mycophenolate mofetil. Children with IF/TA had a lower GFR four wk after Tx (83 ± 22 vs. 62 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.001). Cold ischemia time, living‐related donors, pre‐emptive KTx, and donor age did not influence PB results. Treatment with low‐dose CNI and mTOR inhibitor and high GFR directly after Tx are the main factors associated with less inflammation and fibrosis in PB and might therefore lead to better long‐term graft function.
The clinical utility of C‐peptide measurement in the care of patients with diabetes
Authors: Jones A. G. , Hattersley A. T. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractC‐peptide is produced in equal amounts to insulin and is the best measure of endogenous insulin secretion in patients with diabetes. Measurement of insulin secretion using C‐peptide can be helpful in clinical practice: differences in insulin secretion are fundamental to the different treatment requirements of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the use of C‐peptide measurement in the clinical management of patients with diabetes, including the interpretation and choice of C‐peptide test and its use to assist diabetes classification and choice of treatment. We provide recommendations for where C‐peptide should be used, choice of test and interpretation of results. With the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in younger patients, the discovery of monogenic diabetes and development of new therapies aimed at preserving insulin secretion, the direct measurement of insulin secretion may be increasingly important. Advances in assays have made C‐peptide measurement both more reliable and inexpensive. In addition, recent work has demonstrated that C‐peptide is more stable in blood than previously suggested or can be reliably measured on a spot urine sample (urine C‐peptide:creatinine ratio), facilitating measurement in routine clinical practice. The key current clinical role of C‐peptide is to assist classification and management of insulin‐treated patients. Utility is greatest after 3–5 years from diagnosis when persistence of substantial insulin secretion suggests Type 2 or monogenic diabetes. Absent C‐peptide at any time confirms absolute insulin requirement and the appropriateness of Type 1 diabetes management strategies regardless of apparent aetiology.
Differences in host selection and performance between B and Q putative species of Bemisia tabaci on three host plants
Authors: Jiao Xiaoguo , Xie Wen , Wang Shaoli , Wu Qingjun , Pan Huipeng , Liu Baiming , Zhang Youjun 
Published: February 2013

AbstractB and Q are two putative species of the Bemisia tabaci complex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and are among the most invasive and destructive pests of crops and horticultural plants worldwide. In China, Q predominates and is displacing B. Although researchers have proposed that the higher capacity of Q to utilize host plants plays an important role in its replacement of B, there are few relevant field surveys and experimental studies. The difference in host assessment between B and Q in multiple‐choice rather than in no‐choice situations may be essential to understanding the displacement. Here, we compared settling and oviposition preferences, and adult and nymph performance, for the putative species B and Q of the B. tabaci complex on three common host species: poinsettia [Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ex Klotsch (Euphorbiaceae)], cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae)], and cabbage [Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae)]. Although the preferred hosts for settling and oviposition were the same as those that supported maximum fitness (adult longevity, fecundity, and nymph survivorship), these hosts differed between B and Q. When given a choice, B preferred to settle and oviposit on cabbage over poinsettia and cotton, whereas Q preferred to settle and oviposit on poinsettia and cotton over cabbage. In a no‐choice experiment, adult longevity, fecundity, and nymphal survival for B were greater on cabbage than on poinsettia and cotton, but the opposite was true for Q.
School Teachers' Continuous Professional Development in an Online Learning Community: lessons from a case study of an eTwinning Learning Event
Authors: Holmes Brian 
Published: February 2013

A social revolution is occurring in the way information is shared, knowledge is generated and innovation takes place over the Internet and there is renewed interest in the social concept of ‘community’ to support online learning. This article describes action research conducted in the context of an eTwinning Learning Event (LE) that provides useful insights into how an online learning community can support the continuous professional development (CPD) of school teachers. Using the Community of Inquiry framework (Garrison et al., 2000), it offers empirical evidence of how cognitive, social and teaching aspects impact competence development. It suggests that online learning communities offer an appropriate environment for teachers' intellectual and emotional reflection, characterised by trust, mutual respect and shared values centred on improving pupils' learning. It also suggests that the educational experience within such a community is significantly influenced by the tutor's design and moderation of activities aimed at fostering critical thinking.The article concludes that online learning communities offer a valuable alternative to traditional teacher training by supporting teachers to learn in the context of their everyday practice, whilst collaborating and reflecting on their experience with peers across regions and countries. Concerning the wider use of social networking for learning, it suggests that educators still have a valuable role to play in ensuring that collaboration leads to an effective educational experience.
Increased risk of central venous catheter–associated thrombosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia: a single‐institution experience
Authors: Grisariu Sigal , Spectre Galia , Kalish Yosef , Gatt Moshe E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients with acute leukemia and in particular, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), are felt to be at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism. The presence of central venous catheters (CVCs) increases this risk; however, reports have varied regarding the frequency of this complication. Current guidelines do not recommend the routine use of prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with CVC.MethodsWe suspected an increased incidence of CVC thrombosis in patients with APL and therefore conducted a retrospective survey of 473 patients who were treated for acute leukemia at our institution.ResultsThe overall rate of symptomatic CVC thrombosis was 6.8%. We found a significantly (P < 0.001) increased rate of symptomatic CVC thrombosis (32%) in patients with APL as compared with patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (6.4% and 4%, respectively). CVC thrombosis was most prevalent following induction treatment and was associated with higher platelet counts in patients with APL. Following this observation, 13 additional newly diagnosed patients with APL were treated with low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis during the recovery phase after chemotherapy. None had a thrombotic event.ConclusionsAlthough our treatment group was small, we suggest considering prophylaxis for CVC thrombosis during platelet recovery after induction treatment in patients with APL.
Trial‐by‐trial reliability of responses in the primary visual cortex on binocular disparity depends on stimulus order
Authors: Vorobyov Vasily 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAn association of the detrimental effect of monocular deprivation on binocular vision with reduced reliability of neuronal responses in the primary visual cortex has been shown on randomly presented binocular stimuli [V. Vorobyov et al. (2007) Eur J Neurosci. 26(12), 3553–3563]. To examine this effect on biologically relevant signals, binocular gratings of varying relative phase disparity were presented in sequential order, simulating motion, to 55 cats with various types of daily visual experience. During sequential stimulation, the proportions of ‘unstable’ cells (with phase differences exceeding 22.5 ° between peak binocular responses in two consecutive trials) were similar in cats with exclusively binocular experience and with short periods of daily monocular vision (≤ 3.25 h), in mixed binocular–monocular conditions. In contrast, random stimulation was characterized by a significantly enlarged population of ‘unstable’ cells in the latter. After a longer period of monocular vision (6.5 h) or exclusively discordant binocular experience (strabismus), sequential stimulation was accompanied by a significant increase of this population, whereas during randomized stimulation it was very similar to that in cats with short periods of daily monocular vision. Finally, there were no differences in populations of ‘unstable’ cells in cats with long monocular or strabismic vision and those with exclusive monocular experience during sequential stimulation, in contrast with a significant increase in the latter during randomized stimulation. I propose that the detrimental effect of abnormal binocular experience on binocular processing in the primary visual cortex is associated with a disruption of the mechanisms involved in both discrimination of binocular disparity signals and evaluation of their temporal profiles.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of visuomotor processing in a virtual reality‐based paradigm: Rehabilitation Gaming System
Authors: Prochnow D. , Bermúdez i Badia S. , Schmidt J. , Duff A. , Brunheim S. , Kleiser R. , Seitz R. J. , Verschure P. F. M. J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS) has been designed as a flexible, virtual‐reality (VR)‐based device for rehabilitation of neurological patients. Recently, training of visuomotor processing with the RGS was shown to effectively improve arm function in acute and chronic stroke patients. It is assumed that the VR‐based training protocol related to RGS creates conditions that aid recovery by virtue of the human mirror neuron system. Here, we provide evidence for this assumption by identifying the brain areas involved in controlling the catching of approaching colored balls in the virtual environment of the RGS. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging of 18 right‐handed healthy subjects (24 ± 3 years) in both active and imagination conditions. We observed that the imagery of target catching was related to activation of frontal, parietal, temporal, cingulate and cerebellar regions. We interpret these activations in relation to object processing, attention, mirror mechanisms, and motor intention. Active catching followed an anticipatory mode, and resulted in significantly less activity in the motor control areas. Our results provide preliminary support for the hypothesis underlying RGS that this novel neurorehabilitation approach engages human mirror mechanisms that can be employed for visuomotor training.
Distribution and persistence of technetium‐99 hexamethyl propylene amine oxime‐labelled bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in experimentally induced tendon lesions after intratendinous injection and regional perfusion of the equine distal limb
Authors: Sole A. , Spriet M. , Padgett K. A. , Vaughan B. , Galuppo L. D. , Borjesson D. L. , Wisner E. R. , Vidal M. A. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyIntralesional (i.l.) injection is currently the most commonly used technique for stem cell therapy in equine tendon injury. A comparison of different techniques of injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of tendon lesions is required.ObjectivesWe hypothesised that vascular perfusion of the equine distal limb with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would result in preferential distribution of MSCs to acute tendon injuries.Study designIn vivo experimental study.MethodsLesions were surgically induced in forelimb superficial digital flexor tendons of 8 horses. Three or 10 days after lesion induction, technetium‐99 hexamethyl propylene amine oxime‐labelled MSCs were injected via i.v. or intra‐arterial (i.a.) regional limb perfusion (RLP) at the level of the distal antebrachium and compared to i.l. injection. Mesenchymal stem cell persistence and distribution within the forelimb and tendon lesions was assessed with scintigraphy for 24 h.ResultsLesion uptake was higher with i.l. injection than with RLP, but MSC persistence decreased similarly over time in all 3 techniques. Intra‐arterial RLP resulted in a better distribution of MSCs and a higher uptake at the lesion site than i.v. RLP. Limbs perfused i.a. on Day 10 showed greater accumulation of MSCs in the lesion than limbs perfused on Day 3. Arterial thrombosis occurred in 50% of the i.v. RLP limbs and in 100% of the i.a. RLP limbs, which led to clinical complications in one horse.Conclusions and potential relevanceCompared with i.l. injection, RLP results in lower uptake but similar persistence of MSCs at the site of tendon lesions. A time dependent accumulation of MSCs was identified with i.a. RLP. The i.a. RLP appears more advantageous than the i.v. RLP in terms of distribution and uptake. However, the described i.a. technique produced arterial thrombosis and thus cannot currently be recommended for clinical use.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Paeonol suppresses lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cells and protects mice from lethal endotoxin shock
Authors: Chen Na , Liu Dianfeng , Soromou Lanan Wassy , Sun Jingjing , Zhong Weiting , Guo Weixiao , Huo Meixia , Li Hongyu , Guan Shuang , Chen Zhenwen , Feng Haihua 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPaeonol (2′‐hydroxy‐4′‐methoxyacetophenone) is the main phenolic compound of the radix of Paeonia suffruticosa which has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we primarily investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of paeonol in RAW macrophage cells; and based on these effects, we assessed the protective effects of paeonol on lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxemia in mice. The in vitro study showed that paeonol regulated the production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 via inactivation of IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK. In mouse model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxemia, pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines are significantly regulated, and thus the survival rates of lipolysaccharide‐challenged mice are improved by paeonol (150, 200, or 250 mg/kg). Therefore, paeonol has a beneficial activity against lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cell and mouse models.
Modeling Entrepreneurial Career Intentions among Undergraduates: An Examination of the Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Skills
Authors: Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu) , Hodges Nancy Nelson , Yurchisin Jennifer , Hegland Jane , Karpova Elena , Marcketti Sara , Yan Ruoh‐nan 
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to empirically develop a comprehensive model of undergraduate students' entrepreneurial career intention that combines both cognitive and behavioral decision‐making processes. Data were collected via a questionnaire completed by textile and apparel undergraduates at four American universities (n = 345). Based on the literature, a model of personal values—attitude—behavioral intention was developed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships in the model. Results revealed that self‐actualization as a value significantly influenced attitudes, which, in turn, influenced entrepreneurial career intentions. Both entrepreneurial knowledge and skills moderated the relationship between self‐actualization and entrepreneurial career attitudes. Findings shed light on the influence of personal values and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills on entrepreneurial career choice. Further testing of the model is needed.
Crack growth model for pipeline steels exposed to near‐neutral pH groundwater
Authors: Lu B. T. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper postulates a crack growth model for pipeline steels in near‐neutral pH soil environments, on the basis of the experimental results reported in literature and the fundamental understanding of the corrosion fatigue crack growth dominated by hydrogen embrittlement mechanism. The comparison with the laboratory data indicates that this model can provide reasonable predictions for the dependence of the crack growth rates on the stress intensity factor, stress ratio, loading frequency, solution pH and electrochemical potential.
Consumer ethnocentricity and preferences for wool products by country of origin and manufacture
Authors: Hustvedt Gwendolyn , Carroll Kathryn A. , Bernard John C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLabelling on apparel products usually focuses on the country where manufacturing takes place, rather than where the raw materials were obtained. A choice experiment of consumers in three southern US states was conducted to determine preferences and marginal willingness to pay (mWTP) for wool blend sweaters based on fibre origin and country of manufacture. Fibre origin choices were Australia, US and US State, with the latter to investigate consumer interest in local over simply domestic. Manufacturing had two possibilities, US and China. Survey questions were used to determine an average consumer ethnocentric tendency (CET) score for each consumer, and a median split was used to place each into a High or Low CET group. Nested logit models were analysed for both groups, and mWTP estimates were computed from the coefficients. Both CET groups were willing to pay significant premiums for State‐produced wool over US wool, and for US wool over Australian wool. However, the Low CET group exhibited lower premiums for fibre origins than their High CET counterparts. Ethnocentric consumers, unlike Low CET consumers, were additionally willing to pay significant premiums for wool blend sweaters knitted in the US vs. those knitted in China. Results suggest that labelling fibre by State or by US origin may allow producers to obtain substantial premiums for their apparel products. Promotion of domestic manufacturing though may only be effective for a smaller set of consumers.
T‐cell subsets in the germinal center
Authors: Ramiscal Roybel R. , Vinuesa Carola G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryT cells are known to migrate to B‐cell‐enriched follicles and germinal centers within secondary lymphoid organs to provide help to B cells. Cognate T:B interactions that take place at the T:B border and subsequently within germinal centers are essential for B‐cell priming, differentiation into germinal center B cells, and selection of mutated cells into memory B cells or memory plasma cells. In recent years, different stages of maturation within B‐cell helper T cells, collectively known as B‐follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, as well as heterogeneity amid germinal center T cells are becoming clear. Indeed, germinal centers support not only bona fide Tfh cells but also CD4+ and CD8+ follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells that act to suppress germinal center responses and B‐cell helper natural killer T cells. There is a growing need for more precise phenotypic and functional distinction of these specialized T‐cell subsets. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the ontogeny, molecular identity, and functional relevance of the various subsets of germinal center T cells.
Early signaling events that underlie fate decisions of naive CD4+ T cells toward distinct T‐helper cell subsets
Authors: Yamane Hidehiro , Paul William E. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCD4+ T‐helper (Th) cells are a major cell population that play an important role in governing acquired immune responses to a variety of foreign antigens as well as inducing some types of autoimmune diseases. There are at least four distinct Th cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, and inducible T‐regulatory cells), each of which has specialized functions to control immune responses. Each of these cell types emerge from naive CD4+ T cells after encounter with foreign antigens presented by dendritic cells (DCs). Each Th cell subset expresses a unique set of transcription factors and produces hallmark cytokines. Both T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐mediated stimulation and the cytokine environment created by activated CD4+ T cells themselves, by ‘partner’ DCs, and/or other cell types during the course of differentiation, play an important role in the fate decisions toward distinct Th subsets. Here, we review how TCR‐mediated signals in collaboration with the cytokine environment influence the fate decisions of naive CD4+ T cells toward distinct Th subsets at the early stages of activation. We also discuss the roles of TCR‐proximal signaling intermediates and of the Notch pathway in regulating the differentiation to distinct Th phenotypes.