bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotics for childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Korterink Judith J , Ockeloen Lize , Benninga Marc A , Tabbers Merit M , Hilbink Mirrian , Deckers‐Kocken Judith M 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to investigate the quantity and quality of the current evidence regarding the effect of different probiotic strains in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children and adolescents.ConclusionProbiotics are more effective than placebo in the treatment of patients with abdominal pain‐related FGID, especially with respect to patients with irritable bowel syndrome. To date, however, probiotics have not proved effective for children with functional constipation.
Wilms’ Tumour 1 (WT1) peptide vaccination in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia induces short‐lived WT1‐specific immune responses
Authors: Uttenthal Benjamin , Martinez‐Davila Irma , Ivey Adam , Craddock Charles , Chen Frederick , Virchis Andras , Kottaridis Panagiotis , Grimwade David , Khwaja Asim , Stauss Hans , Morris Emma C. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWilms’ Tumour 1 (WT1) is a zinc finger transcription factor that is over‐expressed in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Its restricted expression in normal tissues makes it a promising target for novel immunotherapies aiming to accentuate the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against AML. Here we report a phase I/II clinical trial of subcutaneous peptide vaccination with two separate HLA‐A2‐binding peptide epitopes derived from WT1, together with a pan‐DR binding peptide epitope (PADRE), in Montanide adjuvant. Eight HLA‐A2‐positive patients with poor risk AML received five vaccination cycles at 3‐weekly intervals. The three cohorts received 0·3, 0·6 and 1 mg of each peptide, respectively. In six patients, WT1‐specific CTL responses were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assays and pWT126/HLA‐A*0201 tetramer staining, after ex vivo stimulation with the relevant WT1 peptides. However, re‐stimulation of these WT1‐specific T cells failed to elicit secondary expansion in all four patients tested, suggesting that the WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells generated following vaccination may be functionally impaired. No correlation was observed between peptide dose, cellular immune response, reduction in WT1 mRNA expression and clinical response. Larger studies are indicated to confirm these findings.
Subdivision Surfaces with Creases and Truncated Multiple Knot Lines
Authors: Kosinka J. , Sabin M. A. , Dodgson N. A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe deal with subdivision schemes based on arbitrary degree B‐splines. We focus on extraordinary knots which exhibit various levels of complexity in terms of both valency and multiplicity of knot lines emanating from such knots. The purpose of truncated multiple knot lines is to model creases which fair out. Our construction supports any degree and any knot line multiplicity and provides a modelling framework familiar to users used to B‐splines and NURBS systems.
The effects of antipsychotic switching on diabetes in chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Arnoldy R. , Curtis J. , Samaras K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPeople with severe mental illness have a 20‐year life‐expectancy shortfall. The majority of antipsychotic medications are associated with obesity and heightened diabetes risk. People with severe mental illness less frequently achieve benchmarked diabetes care, often attributed to poor adherence, lower clinical attendance and documented medical biases in treatment. This case is presented to highlight the profound effect medication change can have on diabetes control.Case reportA 56‐year‐old man with a 42‐year history of schizophrenia had required clozapine treatment for the preceding 14 years. Type 2 diabetes and obesity occurred within 4 years of clozapine instigation. Glycaemic control had been continuously poor, despite frequent contact with diabetes services and multiple medications, including insulin at a dose exceeding 200 IU daily. Request for consideration of antipsychotic review and close interaction with the psychiatry team was initiated at the diabetes outpatient clinic. A gradual medication switch from clozapine to aripiprazole was associated with a reduction in HbA1c from 80 to 50 mmol/mol (9.5 to 6.7%) over 4 months, associated with a weight loss of 10 kg. Over the ensuing 2 years, the improvement in HbA1c has endured, with total weight loss of 13 kg and halving of insulin requirements.ConclusionThis case illustrates the benefits of engagement between endocrinologists and psychiatrists to achieve the shared goal of improved physical health in severe mental illness. Greater interdisciplinary collaboration will help bridge the life‐expectancy gap in severe mental illness and may assist in preventing disabling diabetes complications in this vulnerable patient group.
Increased intestinal permeability to oral chromium (51Cr) ‐EDTA in human Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Horton F. , Wright J. , Smith L. , Hinton P. J. , Robertson M. D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveIn animal models of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, permeability of the intestine is increased because of impairment of tight junction proteins, allowing translocation of bacterial endotoxin and resulting in low‐grade systemic inflammation. This has yet to be demonstrated in humans. The objective of this study was the demonstration of increased intestinal permeability in human Type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe examined intestinal permeability using chromium (51Cr)‐EDTA urinary recovery in twenty well‐controlled men with Type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects matched for age, gender and BMI.ResultsIntestinal permeability was significantly increased (P = 0.002) in the diabetic group and was correlated to increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (r = 0.694, P = 0.001), interleukin 6 (r = 0.548, P = 0.012) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (r = 0.564, P = 0.010).ConclusionThis is the first demonstration that increased intestinal permeability may be a feature of human Type 2 diabetes.
The relationship between metformin therapy and sleep quantity and quality in patients with Type 2 diabetes referred for potential sleep disorders
Authors: Kajbaf F. , Fendri S. , Basille‐Fantinato A. , Diouf M. , Rose D. , Jounieaux V. , Lalau J.‐D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsGiven that sleep disorders are known to be related to insulin resistance, and metformin has favourable effects on insulin resistance and on ventilatory drive, we sought to determine whether metformin therapy was related to sleep variables in a group of patients with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, observational study of our centre's database for patients referred for potential sleep disorders and then compared metformin‐treated patients with those not treated with the drug. All study patients had undergone the same standard polysomnographic procedure. A multivariate analysis was performed to establish whether or not there was an independent relationship between metformin use and sleep variables (after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, neck circumference, cumulated risk factors and insulin use).ResultsWe studied 387 patients (mean ± sd age: 58.4 ± 10.8 years), of whom 314 had been treated with metformin. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency were higher in metformin‐treated patients than in patients not treated with metformin [total sleep time: 6 h 39 min vs. 6 h 3 min, respectively (P = 0.002); sleep efficiency: 77.9 ± 12.3 vs. 71.5 ± 17.2%, respectively (P = 0.003)]. These differences persisted after adjustment for covariates and were observed even although metformin users had a higher BMI than did non‐users (median 37.5 vs. 34.8 kg/m2; P = 0.045).ConclusionWe showed that metformin therapy is associated with a longer sleep duration and better sleep efficiency. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm metformin's favourable effect on sleep quality and quantity.
A cross‐sectional study of glycaemic control, complications and psychosocial functioning among 18‐ to 35‐year‐old adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Zoffmann V. , Vistisen D. , Due‐Christensen M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimsTo describe the level of glycaemic control, complications and psychosocial functioning and the relationships between these variables in the under‐researched group of younger adults with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsLocal electronic health records provided data on age, gender, disease duration, HbA1c and complications for 710 younger adults (18–35 years) with Type 1 diabetes. A questionnaire with wide‐ranging psychometric scales was used to measure various aspects of psychosocial functioning: the burden of diabetes‐related problems, well‐being, self‐esteem, perceived competence in managing diabetes, perceived autonomy support from health professionals and self‐management motivations. Furthermore, patients reported weekly self‐monitored blood glucose measurements and insulin administration. Associations between HbA1c, complication and psychosocial indicators were tested using linear and logistic regression models, adjusted stepwise for confounders, including age, gender, diabetes duration, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, smoking and BMI.ResultsIn total, 406 (57%) participants responded. The responders had a mean age of 27.1 (5.1) years, a mean diabetes duration of 13.5 (7.9) years and an HbA1c of 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), with similar values for both genders (P = 0.87). Complications were observed among women more commonly than among men (31.6 vs. 18.8%, P < 0.01), and high distress levels were more prevalent among women compared with men (51.2 vs. 31.9%, P < 0.0001). Except for perceived autonomy support, the psychosocial variables were all associated with HbA1c (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of poor glycaemic control, early complications and psychosocial distress require health‐promoting interventions tailored to the interrelated clinical and psychosocial needs of younger adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Hair cycle control by leptin as a new anagen inducer
Authors: Sumikawa Yasuyuki , Inui Shigeki , Nakajima Takeshi , Itami Satoshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOur purpose is to clarify the physiological role of leptin in hair cycle as leptin reportedly causes activation of Stat3, which is indispensable for hair cycling. While hair follicles in dorsal skin of 5‐week‐old C57/BL6 mice had progressed to late anagen phase, those in dorsal skin of 5‐week‐old leptin receptor deficient db/db mice remained in the first telogen and later entered the anagen at postnatal day 40, indicating that deficiency in leptin receptor signalling delayed the second hair cycle progression. Next, we shaved dorsal hairs on wild‐type mice at postnatal 7 weeks and injected skin with mouse leptin or a mock. After 20 days, although mock injection showed no effect, hair growth occurred around leptin injection area. Human leptin fragment (aa22–56) had similar effects. Although the hair cycle of ob/ob mice was similar to that of wild‐type mice, injection of mouse leptin on ob/ob mice at postnatal 7 weeks induced anagen transition. Immunohistochemically, leptin is expressed in hair follicles from catagen to early anagen in wild‐type mice, suggesting that leptin is an anagen inducer in vivo. Phosphorylation of Erk, Jak2 and Stat3 in human keratinocytes was stimulated by leptin and leptin fragment. In addition, RT‐PCR and ELISA showed that the production of leptin by human dermal papilla cells increased under hypoxic condition, suggesting that hypoxia in catagen/telogen phase promotes leptin production, preparing for entry into the next anagen. In conclusion, leptin, a well‐known adipokine, acts as an anagen inducer and represents a new player in hair biology.
Longitudinal Associations among Fathers' Perception of Coparenting, Partner Relationship Quality, and Paternal Stress during Early Childhood
Authors: Fagan Jay , Lee Yookyong 
Published: November 2013

This study examined the longitudinal and concurrent associations among fathers' perceptions of partner relationship quality (happiness, conflict), coparenting (shared decision making, conflict), and paternal stress. The sample consisted of 6,100 children who lived with both biological parents at 24 and 48 months in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Birth Cohort data set. The results showed that there are significant and concurrent associations between fathers' perceptions of the coparenting relationship and paternal stress, and between partner relationship quality and paternal stress. There was also a positive direct longitudinal association between partner relationship conflict and paternal stress. However, we found only one longitudinal cross‐system mediation effect: fathers' perception of coparenting conflict at 48 months mediated the association between partner relationship conflict at 24 months and paternal stress at 48 months. The family practice implications of these findings are discussed.
Deep subsurface sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in the Iberian Pyrite Belt revealed through geochemistry and molecular biomarkers
Authors: Puente‐Sánchez F. , Moreno‐Paz M. , Rivas L. A. , Cruz‐Gil P. , García‐Villadangos M. , Gómez M. J. , Postigo M. , Garrido P. , González‐Toril E. , Briones C. , Fernández‐Remolar D. , Stoker C. , Amils R. , Parro V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB, southwest of Spain), the largest known massive sulfide deposit, fuels a rich chemolithotrophic microbial community in the Río Tinto area. However, the geomicrobiology of its deep subsurface is still unexplored. Herein, we report on the geochemistry and prokaryotic diversity in the subsurface (down to a depth of 166 m) of the Iberian Pyritic belt using an array of geochemical and complementary molecular ecology techniques. Using an antibody microarray, we detected polymeric biomarkers (lipoteichoic acids and peptidoglycan) from Gram‐positive bacteria throughout the borehole. DNA microarray hybridization confirmed the presence of members of methane oxidizers, sulfate‐reducers, metal and sulfur oxidizers, and methanogenic Euryarchaeota. DNA sequences from denitrifying and hydrogenotrophic bacteria were also identified. FISH hybridization revealed live bacterial clusters associated with microniches on mineral surfaces. These results, together with measures of the geochemical parameters in the borehole, allowed us to create a preliminary scheme of the biogeochemical processes that could be operating in the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, including microbial metabolisms such as sulfate reduction, methanogenesis and anaerobic methane oxidation.
Are We Spending Too Many Years in School? Causal Evidence of the Impact of Shortening Secondary School Duration
Authors: Büttner Bettina , Thomsen Stephan L. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDuring the last decade, most of the German states have abolished the final year of higher secondary schooling while keeping academic content almost unaltered. We evaluate the effects of the reform in Saxony-Anhalt for the double cohort of graduates in 2007. In 2003, the 13th year of schooling was eliminated for students in grade 9, while tenth grade students were unaffected. This provides a natural experiment for analyzing the impact on schooling achievements and educational choice. We find negative effects on grades in mathematics, but no effects in German literature. Moreover, a significant share of females were found to delay university enrollment.
The Effect of RFC G80A Polymorphism in Cretan children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its interaction with MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms
Authors: Karathanasis N. V. , Stiakaki E. , Goulielmos G. Ν. , Kalmanti M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe association between the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and enzymes involved in the folate metabolism has been under investigation lately. The reduced folate carrier gene (RFC) encodes reduced folate carrier, a protein that transports into the cell both folate and methotrexate, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, has been proved polymorphic at position 80 (G→A). The role of this polymorphism in childhood ALL and its interaction with other enzymes of the folate metabolic pathway, including MTHFR, has been examined in different populations with diverse results.MethodsIn the present case–control study, 35 children with ALL and 48 healthy adult blood donors, all originating from the island of Crete (Greece), were screened for the presence of the RFC G80A polymorphism, using PCR/RFLP techniques. The effect on ALL risk and methotrexate‐induced toxicities, along with the role of gene–gene interactions in our population, were examined.ResultsNo significant association was observed between the RFC G80A genotypes and either the development of ALL or the presence of adverse events. However, a significant association was detected between the MTHFR A1298C/ RFC G80A genotype and a nonpredisposition for ALL (P = 0.035).ConclusionThis study suggests that gene–gene interactions in childhood ALL may be of prognostic value in our population.
Regulation of pancreatic inflammation by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2)
Authors: Charrier Alyssa , Chen Ruju , Kemper Sherri , Brigstock David R. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPancreatitis is caused by long‐term heavy alcohol consumption, which results in injury and death of pancreatic acinar cells (PAC). The PAC play a pivotal role in mediating early inflammatory responses but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with ethanol and cerulein resulted in increased staining for acinar interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), or connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) by Day 16 and this was associated with increased infiltration of F4/80‐positive macrophages and increased expression of pancreatic CTGF/CCN2 mRNA. Compared with wild‐type Swiss Webster mice, ethanol treatment of pan‐green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐CTGF/CCN2 transgenic mice caused enhanced acinar staining for GFP or CTGF/CCN2 and a significant increase in pancreatic infiltration of F4/80‐positive macrophages or NIMP‐R14‐positive neutrophils. Treatment of primary mouse PAC or the rat AR42J PAC line with ethanol or CTGF/CCN2 resulted in enhanced expression of IL‐1β or CCL3. Conditioned medium from CTGF/CCN2‐treated AR42J cells induced chemotaxis in NR8383 macrophages and this response was abrogated in a dose‐dependent manner by addition of BX471, an inhibitor of chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 1. These results reveal that acinar CTGF/CCN2 plays a novel role in alcohol‐induced inflammatory processes in the pancreas by increasing infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and increasing acinar production of inflammatory mediators such as IL‐1β or CCL3. The early production of CTGF/CCN2 by PAC to drive inflammation is distinct from its previously reported production by pancreatic stellate cells to drive fibrosis at later stages of pancreatic injury.
Detection of factor XIII‐A is a valuable tool for distinguishing dendritic cells and tissue macrophages in granuloma annulare and necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Töröcsik D. , Bárdos H. , Hatalyák Zs. , Dezső B. , Losonczy G. , Paragh L. , Péter Z. , Balázs M. , Remenyik E. , Ádány R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundFactor XIII subunit A (FXIII‐A) is used as a diagnostic marker in a wide range of dermatological diseases ranging from inflammatory lesions to malignancies, although neither the cell types responsible for its expression nor the mechanism(s) resulting in its local accumulation in pathological conditions have been characterized.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to gain information on the cells showing an immunohistochemical reaction for FXIII‐A and answer the question whether macrophages and/or dendritic cells are labelled for FXIII‐A.MethodsWe carried out our studies on samples of granuloma annulare (GA) and necrobiosis lipoidica (NL), the prime examples for granulomatous skin lesions with a non‐infectious background in which extracellular matrix remodelling is a key feature without any sign of malignant transformation. We used markers for macrophages and dendritic cells in combination with the detection of FXIII‐A in double labelling immunohistochemical reactions.ResultsWe demonstrated that FXIII‐A positivity clearly distinguishes macrophages (CD163+/FXIII‐A+) from dendritic cells (CD11c+/FXIII‐A−) not only in the normal dermis as previously described by Zaba et al. (J Clin Invest 2007; 117: 2517–2525) but also in the pathological conditions of GA and NL. Detecting the expression of DC‐SIGN/CD209 and mannose receptor molecules on FXIII‐A+ macrophages we confirmed that FXIII‐A is expressed in the alternatively activated macrophages. However, while DC‐SIGN/CD209 was invariably expressed on FXIII‐A+ cells both in normal and pathological conditions of GA/NL (98.7% vs. 93.5/96%), mannose receptor was only partially coexpressed with FXIII‐A (94.8% vs. 74.7/52.2%), suggesting that FXIII‐A+ macrophages do not represent a homogenous population.ConclusionsFXIII‐A selectively marks macrophages and distinguishes them from dendritic cells. The presence of FXIII‐A is not a disease‐specific marker but indicates a possible common mechanism of macrophage activation in various dermatological diseases.
Psychiatric symptomatology and health‐related quality of life in children and adolescents with alopecia areata
Authors: Bilgiç Ö. , Bilgiç A. , Bahalı K. , Bahali A.G. , Gürkan A. , Yılmaz S. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractsBackgroundThere is a very limited amount of data available regarding the relationship between alopecia areata (AA) and psychiatric morbidity and quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the psychiatric state and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of children and adolescents with AA, as well as their relationships with clinical parameters.MethodsThe sample consisted of 74 children with AA aged 8–18 years. Questionnaires were used to evaluate the psychiatric status and HRQL of the patients. The study and control groups were divided into child and adolescent groups to exclude the effect of puberty on psychological condition.ResultsIn the child group, patients had higher state anxiety and trait anxiety scores; they also had lower parent‐rated psychosocial and total area HRQL scores than the controls did. In addition, the depression score was prone to show a positive relationship with having AA in the children. In the adolescent group, however, only the state anxiety score had a significant association with AA. All of the parent‐rated HRQL scores were also prone to being lower compared with controls in this age group. Regarding determinants of HRQL, prolonged disease duration and later disease onset had positive effects, whereas severity of scalp involvement, trait anxiety and depression had negative effects, for the sample as a whole.ConclusionsAlopecia areata is associated with poor psychiatric status and QoL, especially in childhood. The impact of the disease on QoL occurs through both clinical and psychiatric parameters.