bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Older Patients a different disease? – a clinical cohort study
Authors: Lewis Ieuan , Pairman Jessie , Spickett Gavin , Newton Julia L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling disorder characterised by persistent fatigue with a typical age of diagnosis of 35–50 years. CFS does present in those aged over 50 but whether this is a different disease in older age groups has not been considered. Therefore, we performed a clinical cohort study to examine and differentiate the clinical and autonomic features in CFS patients aged over 50.DesignA total of 179 Fukuda diagnosed CFS patients were recruited, and 25 older CFS patients (50 + years) were matched case by case for gender and length of history to 25 younger CFS patients (16–29 years). A range of symptomatic‐based questionnaires were used in addition to heart rate variability and baroreceptor sensitivity to assess autonomic function.ResultsChronic fatigue syndrome can present for the first time in an older population. Older CFS patients demonstrate increased fatigue (Fatigue impact scale; 85 ± 33 vs. 107 ± 27, P = 0·02) (Chalder fatigue scale; 9 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 1, P = 0·002) and caseness for depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; 7 ± 3 vs. 10 ± 4; P = 0·005). There is a greater autonomic dysfunction in older CFS patients, with reduced parasympathetic function (HFnu; 49·1 ± 18 vs. 36·2 ± 18, P = 0·01, RR30 : 15; ± , P = 0·02) and increased sympathetic function (LFnu; 51·5 ± 17 vs. 63·8 ± 18, P = 0·01). Baroreflex sensitivity was substantially reduced (BRS; 19·7 ± 12 vs. 9·9 ± 5, P = 0·0004), and left ventricular ejection time prolonged (LVET; 274·6 ± 16 vs. 285·8 ± 9, P = 0·004).ConclusionsOlder CFS patients demonstrate a disease phenotype very different from younger patients. The combination of differing underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the physiological aspects of ageing result in a greater disease impact in older CFS patients.
Biodiversity and ecosystem stability: a synthesis of underlying mechanisms
Authors: Loreau Michel , de Mazancourt Claire 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThere is mounting evidence that biodiversity increases the stability of ecosystem processes in changing environments, but the mechanisms that underlie this effect are still controversial and poorly understood. Here, we extend mechanistic theory of ecosystem stability in competitive communities to clarify the mechanisms underlying diversity–stability relationships. We first explain why, contrary to a widely held belief, interspecific competition should generally play a destabilising role. We then explore the stabilising effect of differences in species' intrinsic rates of natural increase and provide a synthesis of various potentially stabilising mechanisms. Three main mechanisms are likely to operate in the stabilising effects of biodiversity on ecosystem properties: (1) asynchrony of species' intrinsic responses to environmental fluctuations, (2) differences in the speed at which species respond to perturbations, (3) reduction in the strength of competition. The first two mechanisms involve temporal complementarity between species, while the third results from functional complementarity. Additional potential mechanisms include selection effects, behavioural changes resulting from species interactions and mechanisms arising from trophic or non‐trophic interactions and spatial heterogeneity. We conclude that mechanistic trait‐based approaches are key to predicting the effects of diversity on ecosystem stability and to bringing the old diversity–stability debate to a final resolution.
A School Nurse‐Delivered Intervention for Overweight and Obese Adolescents
Authors: Pbert Lori , Druker Susan , Gapinski Mary A. , Gellar Lauren , Magner Robert , Reed George , Schneider Kristin , Osganian Stavroula 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDModels are needed for implementing weight management interventions for adolescents through readily accessible venues. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a school nurse‐delivered intervention in improving diet and activity and reducing body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents.METHODSSix high schools were randomized to either a 6‐session school nurse‐delivered counseling intervention utilizing cognitive‐behavioral techniques or nurse contact with provision of information. Eighty‐four overweight or obese adolescents in grades 9 through 11 completed behavioral and physiological assessments at baseline and 2‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.RESULTSAt 2 months, intervention participants ate breakfast on more days/week (difference = 1.01 days; 95% CI: 0.11, 1.92), and had a lower intake of total sugar (difference = −45.79 g; 95% CI: −88.34, −3.24) and added sugar (difference = −51.35 g; 95% CI: −92.45, −10.26) compared to control participants. At 6 months, they were more likely to drink soda ≤ one time/day (OR 4.10; 95% CI: 1.19, 16.93) and eat at fast food restaurants ≤ one time/week (OR 4.62; 95% CI: 1.10, 23.76) compared to control participants. There were no significant differences in BMI, activity, or caloric intake.CONCLUSIONA brief school nurse‐delivered intervention was feasible, acceptable, and improved selected obesogenic behaviors, but not BMI.
Elementary School Personnel's Perceptions on Childhood Obesity: Pervasiveness and Facilitating Factors
Authors: Odum Mary , McKyer E. Lisako J. , Tisone Christine A. , Outley Corliss W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDResearchers in numerous disciplines have investigated the effects of the school environment on childhood obesity (CHO), one of the greatest current health concerns in the United States. There is a gap in current empirical evidence, however, on school personnel's perspectives of this issue. This study examined school personnel's perceptions of obesity as a problem among school‐aged children and their views on factors contributing to obesity.METHODSThirty‐one semistructured interviews were conducted with elementary school personnel (teachers, administrators, and support staff) from 5 rural schools with a predominantly Hispanic (58.18%) and Black (30.24%) student population. The constant comparison method was used to identify emergent themes.RESULTSAll but one participant considered obesity to be a problem among elementary children. Factors facilitating obesity most frequently cited by school personnel were home environment, poor nutrition, child control of dietary choices, child inactivity, and entertainment electronics.CONCLUSIONSChild control of dietary choices in both home and school environments was identified as a major contributor to obesity. Further exploration of this control is warranted to understand the complexity of this dynamic and its potential link to CHO.
Defining Thumb Reach Envelopes for Handheld Devices
Authors: Otten Edward W. , Karn Keith S. , Parsons Kelley S. 
Published: January 2013

Objective: Our objective is to provide thumb reach envelopes to help guide the placement of controls on handheld devices and to provide useful methods to gather and analyze thumb reach data. Background: With the proliferation of handheld, interactive devices, such as cameras, mobile phones, game systems, and remote controls, human factors professionals involved in designing these products need data to help guide the placement of controls. Previous studies have not provided adequate two-dimensional thumb reach envelopes for the primary control surfaces of handheld devices. Method: A total of 90 participants in three groups (adolescent females, young mothers, and young fathers) placed representations of primary controls in preferred locations on a device model and “painted” their individual reach envelopes on a touch-screen device running a paint application. Results: We present two-dimensional thumb reach envelopes on the primary control surface for handheld devices. The primary reach zone for adolescent females is slightly larger and more circular than that of the adults. The preferred location for controls matches the primary thumb reach zones fairly well. Conclusion: The reach envelopes presented are the first of their kind and are likely to be useful to human factors professionals. The method used to obtain the data may also be useful. Application: The thumb reach envelopes should be applicable to the design of many handheld, interactive devices with dimensions similar to the models used in this study. The method presented allows design teams to collect and analyze thumb reach data quickly and inexpensively for different target user populations or product dimensions.
Treatment-seeking delays in patients with acute myocardial infarction and use of the emergency medical service
Authors: Wang Xueling , Hsu Lily Lihwa 
Published: January 2013

Objectives To investigate treatment-seeking delays in Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to compare sex differences in this behaviour. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in patients with AMI, admitted to one of three hospitals in Shanghai, China. A treatment-seeking behaviour questionnaire was administered to each patient within 48 h of hospital admission. Results In total, 250 patients were included: 159 men and 91 women. The median time for patients with AMI to make a treatment-seeking decision was 130 min. Women took significantly longer to seek treatment than men (240 min versus 120 min). The majority of patients (70.8%) took >1 h to decide to seek treatment. The emergency medical service (EMS) was used by 77 (30.8%) of patients, and these patients had a significantly shorter prehospital delay time than those who transported themselves to hospital. Predictive factors for using the EMS were pain level and rating AMI symptoms as severe. Conclusions Chinese patients with AMI had a significant prehospital delay time and women took longer than men to seek treatment. Public awareness of the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance for AMI via the EMS needs to be increased in China.
9p21 Polymorphisms increase the risk of peripheral artery disease in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Tian Luo-Bing , Fang Hui , Gao Lei , Tan Zheng , Zhen Yan-Feng , Tian Jin-Li , Zhang Ya-Zhong , Sun Xue-Ling , Qin Jiang-Yuan , Sun Ya-Nan , Xu Jing , Wu Wei-Ping , Wang Ai-Yuan , Yang Yue , Gao Ai-Dong 
Published: January 2013

Objective A case–control study to investigate the association of the 9p21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10757274 and rs10757278 (known to be associated with coronary artery disease [CAD] risk) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in a Han Chinese population. Methods The rs10757274 and rs10757278 genotypes of patients with PAD, and age- and sex-matched control subjects, were determined. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed, with adjustments for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and smoking status. Results The study included 420 patients with PAD and 418 control subjects. Variant forms of both SNPs were associated with increased risk of PAD in the total study population, when excluding patients with CAD or stroke (additive genetic model). The GG haplotype increased the risk of PAD, but this association did not remain significant after further sensitivity analysis. Both SNPs were associated with PAD risk in patients aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥65 years (additive model). Conclusions 9p21 is associated with PAD. When stratified according to age, 9p21 increases PAD risk in individuals aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥65 years.
The aetiology underlying sinus headaches
Authors: Kaymakci Mustafa , Cikriklar Halil Ibrahim , Pay Gunes 
Published: January 2013

Objective Patients with sinus headaches usually complain of pain and pressure sensation around the sinuses and periorbital area; most are misdiagnosed with sinusitis and receive unnecessary treatment. This prospective study investigated the aetiology of sinus headache in patients with negative endoscopic or computed tomography (CT) scan findings. Methods This multicentre study included patients who could be followed regularly after being admitted to otorhinolaryngology outpatient or emergency units due to sinus headache, in whom endoscopic and radiological examinations did not show sinonasal pathology. The study group comprised patients with primary headache, according to International Headache Society criteria. Participants were followed monthly for 3 months and treatment response was evaluated as complete remission, partial remission or no response. Results The study included 98 patients. The main reason for diagnosing and treating sinus headaches that arose from neurovascular events was attributed to the accompanying symptoms, e.g. nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and sinus sensitivity. Conclusions A better understanding of vascular event-derived headaches (especially migraine) and a detailed examination of patients via endoscopy and CT scanning are expected to minimize misdiagnosis rates, in patients with sinus headaches.
Fibrates as therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? A systematic review
Authors: van Eekeren Inge C.M. , Clockaerts Stefan , Bastiaansen-Jenniskens Yvonne M. , Lubberts Eric , Verhaar Jan A.N. , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M. 
Published: January 2013

Fibrates are used as lipid-lowering drugs to prevent cardiovascular pathology. Fibrates are ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Besides altering lipid metabolism, PPARα ligands exert anti-inflammatory effects on various cell types. In this study, we hypothesized that PPARα agonists exert beneficial effects on osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by their local anti-inflammatory effects, but also by their systemic influences. A systematic literature search of Medline and EMBASE databases was performed up to August 2011. The main search items were osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and fibrates. Inclusion criteria were in vivo or in vitro studies regarding humans or animals in which the effects of PPARα ligands were studied. Six in vivo human studies, four in vivo animal studies and seven in vitro studies were included. The in vivo human studies showed all beneficial clinical effects of PPARα ligands, but studies were small and only four were randomized. Ligands for PPARα significantly reduced pain, swelling of the joints and decreased systemic inflammatory markers. In vitro and in vivo animal studies indicate that PPARα agonists inhibit bone resorption, and reduce inflammatory and destructive responses in cartilage and synovium. PPARα agonists such as fibrates should be considered as potential therapeutic strategy for RA. There is no clinical evidence for their use in OA, although in vitro studies indicate that PPARα agonists demonstrate different joint-protective effects locally, and systemic effects on inflammation, serum lipid levels and vascular pathology. Animal studies should be performed and after confirmation of the protective effects of PPARα, large randomized controlled trials could investigate fibrates in OA and RA.
Coupling of septins to the axial landmark by Bud4 in budding yeast
Authors: Kang Pil Jung , Hood-DeGrenier Jennifer K. , Park Hay-Oak 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae select a site for polarized growth in a specific pattern that depends on their cell type. Haploid a and α cells bud in the axial budding pattern, which requires assembly of a landmark that includes the Bud4 protein. To understand how an axial bud site is established, we performed a structure–function analysis of Bud4. Bud4 contains DUF1709 (domain of unknown function), which is similar to a part of the anillin-homology domain, and a putative Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain near to its C terminus. Although its localization depends on septins, a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins, Bud4 is necessary for the stable inheritance of septin rings during cell division. Although some anillins interact directly with septins, we find that neither DUF1709 nor the PH domain is necessary for targeting Bud4 to the mother-bud neck. Instead, this C-terminal region is crucial for association of Bud4 with Bud3 and other components of the axial landmark. Remarkably, septins colocalize with Bud4 mutant proteins that lack these C-terminal domains, forming an arc or a single ring instead of a double ring during and after cytokinesis. Interestingly, overexpression of Bud4 also induces formation of extra Bud4 rings and arcs that are associated with septins. Analyses of a series of bud4 truncation mutants suggest that at least two domains in the central region play a redundant role in targeting Bud4 to the mother-bud neck and are thus likely to interact with septins. Taken together, these results indicate that Bud4 functions as a platform that links septins to the axial landmark.
Quantification of 5-Methylcytosine and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Genomic DNA from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues by Capillary Hydrophilic-Interaction Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Ming-Luan , Shen Fan , Huang Wei , Qi Jia-Hui , Wang Yinsheng , Feng Yu-Qi , Liu Song-Mei , Yuan Bi-Feng 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
5-Methylcytosine (5-mC) is an important epigenetic modification involved in development and is frequently altered in cancer. 5-mC can be enzymatically converted to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). 5-hmC modifications are known to be prevalent in DNA of embryonic stem cells and neurons, but the distribution of 5-hmC in human liver tumor and matched control tissues has not been rigorously explored.

METHODS
We developed an online trapping/capillary hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (cHILIC)/in-source fragmentation/tandem mass spectrometry system for quantifying 5-mC and 5-hmC in genomic DNA from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor tissues and relevant tumor adjacent tissues. A polymer-based hydrophilic monolithic column was prepared and used for the separation of 12 nucleosides by cHILIC coupled with an online trapping system. Limits of detection and quantification, recovery, and imprecision of the method were determined.

RESULTS
Limits of detection for 5-mC and 5-hmC were 0.06 and 0.19 fmol, respectively. The imprecision and recovery of the method were determined, with the relative SDs and relative errors being &lt;14.9% and 15.8%, respectively. HCC tumor tissues had a 4- to 5-fold lower 5-hmC content compared to tumor-adjacent tissues. In addition, 5-hmC content highly correlated with tumor stage (tumor-nodes-metastasis, P = 0.0002; Barcelona Clinic liver cancer, P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS
The marked depletion of 5-hmC may have profound effects on epigenetic regulation in HCC and could be a potential biomarker for the early detection and prognosis of HCC.
Crystal structure of 1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazolium oxalic acid monomethyl ester, C14H24N2O4
Authors: Dayyih Wael Abu , Mallah Eyad , Sweidan Kamal , Al-Sheikh Ahmed , Steimann Manfred 
Published: January 2013

Abstract C14H24N2O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.1862(8) Å, b = 10.313(1) Å, c = 18.534(2) Å, β = 101.018(8)°, V = 1535.8 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0567, wRref(F2) = 0.1064, T = 173 K.
Inhibition of TLR4 Signaling by TRAM-Derived Decoy Peptides In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Piao Wenji , Vogel Stefanie N. , Toshchakov Vladimir Y. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Toll/IL-1R (TIR) domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)–related adapter molecule (TRAM) serves as a bridging adapter that enables recruitment of TRIF to activated TLR4 and thereby mediates the induction of TRIF-dependent cytokines. A library of cell-permeating decoy peptides derived from TRAM TIR domain has been screened for the ability of individual peptides to inhibit TLR4 signaling in primary murine macrophages. Peptides derived from TRAM TIR BB loop (TM4) and C helix (TM6) inhibited the LPS-induced activation of MyD88-dependent and TRIF-dependent cytokines, as well as MAPK activation. TM4 and TM6 did not block macrophage activation induced by TLR2, TLR9, or retinoic acid–inducible gene 1–like receptor agonists. Both TM4 and TM6 blocked coimmunoprecipitation of TRAM and TLR4 ectopically expressed in HEK293T cells. Both peptides also blocked the LPS-induced recruitment of MyD88 to TLR4 in primary murine macrophages. In vivo examination of TRAM-derived peptides demonstrated that all peptides that were inhibitory in vitro profoundly suppressed systemic inflammatory response elicited in mice by a sublethal LPS dose, and protected mice against a lethal LPS challenge. This research identifies novel TLR inhibitors effective in vitro and in vivo and validates the approach taken in this study as a rational way for development of signaling inhibitors and lead therapeutics.
How to Model Heterogeneity in Costly Punishment: Insights from Responders' Response Times
Authors: Fischbacher Urs , Hertwig Ralph , Bruhin Adrian 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTWe investigate what processes may underlie heterogeneity in social preferences. We address this question by examining participants' decisions and associated response times across 12 mini‐ultimatum games. Using a finite mixture model and cross‐validating its classification with a response time analysis, we identified four groups of responders: one group takes little to no account of the proposed split or the foregone allocation and swiftly accepts any positive offer; two groups process primarily the objective properties of the allocations (fairness and kindness) and need more time the more properties need to be examined; and a fourth group, which takes more time than the others, appears to take into account what they would have proposed had they been put in the role of the proposer. We discuss implications of this joint decision–response time analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Inhibin B Response to Testicular Toxicants Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether or Dibromoacetic Acid in Male Rats
Authors: Enright Brian P. , Tornesi Belen , Lorenz Helga , Whitney Katharine 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUNDThis study was conducted as part of an ILSI‐HESIconsortium effort to assess the utility of circulating inhibin B as an early biomarker of testicular toxicity in rats.METHODSTwo known testicular toxicants were selected for use in this study: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) and dibromoacetic acid (DBAA). EGME (200 mg/kg/day), DBAA (250 mg/kg/day), or vehicle control (0.2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [HPMC]) was administered orally to male rats for 3, 6, or 14 consecutive days. On study days 4, 7, and 15, serum was collected for evaluation of inhibin B levels from all surviving animals and a subset of animals was necropsied from each of the control, EGME, and DBAAgroups.RESULTSAdministration of EGMEresulted in spermatocyte degeneration in late stage tubules and spermatocyte depletion to stage III on day 4, progressing to loss of spermatocytes and round spermatids to stage VI by day 7 and continued germ cell loss and degeneration of elongating spermatids by day 15. Inhibin B levels among EGME‐treated animals progressively decreased relative to their respective controls at all time points. Administration of DBAA was associated with spermatid retention at all three time points and abnormal residual bodies at days 7 and 15. Inhibin B levels among DBAA‐treated animals decreased progressively relative to their respective controls on days 7 and 15.CONCLUSIONSSerum inhibin B levels in rats provided a signal of testicular toxicity for each of these known testicular toxicants administered at high levels; however, histopathology provided the earliest evidence of toxic effects.