bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for the Use of Prolonged‐Release Fampridine in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Preiningerova Jana Lizrova , Baumhackl Ulf , Csepany Tunde , Czaplinski Adam , Deisenhammer Florian , Derfuss Tobias , Fabjan Tanja H. , Fazekas Franz , Fuchs Siegrid , Havrdova Eva , Ledinek Alenka Horvath , Illes Zsolt , Jazbec Sasa Sega , Klimova Eleonora , Komoly Samuel , Kurca Egon , Linnebank Michael , Lisy Lubomir , Mares Jan , Prochazkova Lubica , Csilla Rozsa , Szilasiova Jarmila , Stourac Pavel , Talab Radomir , Turcani Peter , Vachova Marta , Vecsei Laszlo , Vodusek David , Zapletalova Olga , Berger Thomas 
Published: April 2013

SummaryProlonged‐release fampridine (fampridine PR) is a potassium channel blocker that improves conductivity of signal on demyelinated axons in central nervous system. Fampridine PR has been approved to improve speed of walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. This statement provides a brief summary of data on fampridine PR and recommendations on practical use of the medication in clinical practice, prediction, and evaluation of response to treatment and patient management.
Research priorities in 2012 for the effective management of childhood obesity
Authors: Taylor R. W. , Robinson A. , Espinel P. T. , Baur L. A. , Wake M. , Sabin M. A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIn 2010, the Management Stream of the Australasian Child and Adolescent Obesity Research Network (ACAORN) undertook a Delphi survey asking ‘What research questions remain to be addressed in the effective management of child and adolescent obesity?’ Members of ACAORN, the Child and Adolescent Obesity Clinics of Australasia Network (CAOCOA‐Net) and attendees at the Child Obesity symposium at the annual scientific meeting for the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS) contributed to three rounds of survey development. Although reasonable concordance in ratings was evident for all 10 questions, ‘determining the best strategies for long‐term weight management’ and ‘how best to support the primary healthcare system to achieve these strategies’ were clearly identified as the highest research priorities. Other priorities included ‘how best to identify the right children with whom to intervene’ and ‘managing factors which impact on service delivery’. Identifying priority research areas from those working in the field offers the opportunity to stimulate research collaboration and provide justification for funding applications.
Enhanced Cardiac Perception Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Framing Effects
Authors: Sütterlin Stefan , Schulz Stefan M. , Stumpf Theresa , Pauli Paul , Vögele Claus 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPrevious studies suggest in line with dual process models that interoceptive skills affect controlled decisions via automatic or implicit processing. The “framing effect” is considered to capture implicit effects of task‐irrelevant emotional stimuli on decision‐making. We hypothesized that cardiac awareness, as a measure of interoceptive skills, is positively associated with susceptibility to the framing effect. Forty volunteers performed a risky‐choice framing task in which the effect of loss versus gain frames on decisions based on identical information was assessed. The results show a positive association between cardiac awareness and the framing effect, accounting for 24% of the variance in the framing effect. These findings demonstrate that good interoceptive skills are linked to poorer performance in risky choices based on ambivalent information when implicit bias is induced by task‐irrelevant emotional information. These findings support a dual process perspective on decision‐making and suggest that interoceptive skills mediate effects of implicit bias on decisions.
Predicting biological invasions in marine habitats through eco‐physiological mechanistic models: a case study with the bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis
Authors: Sarà G. , Palmeri V. , Rinaldi A. , Montalto V. , Helmuth B. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimWe used a coupled biophysical ecology (BE)‐physiological mechanistic modelling approach based on the Dynamic Energy Budget theory (DEB, Dynamic energy budget theory for metabolic organisation, 2010, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge; DEB) to generate spatially explicit predictions of physiological performance (maximal size and reproductive output) for the invasive mussel, Brachidontes pharaonis.LocationWe examined 26 sites throughout the central Mediterranean Sea.MethodsWe ran models under subtidal and intertidal conditions; hourly weather and water temperature data were obtained from the Italian Buoy Network, and monthly CHL‐a data were obtained from satellite imagery.ResultsMechanistic analysis of the B. pharaonis fundamental niche shows that subtidal sites in the Central Mediterranean are generally suitable for this invasive bivalve but that intertidal habitats appear to serve as genetic sinks.Main conclusionsA BE‐DEB approach enabled an assessment of how the physical environment affects the potential distribution of B. pharaonis. Combined with models of larval dispersal, this approach can provide estimates of the likelihood that an invasive species will become established.
Mating system does not predict permanent sperm depletion in black widow spiders
Authors: Modanu Maria , Michalik Peter , Andrade Maydianne C. B. 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYVariation in sperm production is strongly influenced by mating system across taxa. Recent work in spiders suggests that males of some species show termination of spermatogenesis before their adult molt and thus an inability to produce sperm after maturation. This permanent sperm depletion (PSD) has been hypothesized to co‐occur with monogyny, genital mutilation, or sexual cannibalism because the maintenance of continual sperm supplies is not necessary for species where males can expect only one mating opportunity. Here we test this hypothesis in two congeners exhibiting genital mutilation: the sexually cannibalistic, monogynous Australian redback spider Latrodectus hasselti and the polygynous Western black widow Latrodectus hesperus. We report that PSD does not occur in adult males of either species, and show that males transfer sperm into their copulatory organs multiple times as adults. These data suggest evolutionary links between mating system and investment in sperm production may be more complex than currently appreciated.
Adenosine A1 and A2A receptor‐mediated modulation of acetylcholine release in the mice neuromuscular junction
Authors: Garcia Neus , Priego Mercedes , Obis Teresa , Santafe Manel M. , Tomàs Marta , Besalduch Nuria , Lanuza MªAngel , Tomàs Josep 
Published: April 2013

AbstractImmunocytochemistry shows that purinergic receptors (P1Rs) type A1 and A2A (A1R and A2AR, respectively) are present in the nerve endings at the P6 and P30 Levator auris longus (LAL) mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). As described elsewhere, 25 μm adenosine reduces (50%) acetylcholine release in high Mg2+ or d‐tubocurarine paralysed muscle. We hypothesize that in more preserved neurotransmission machinery conditions (blocking the voltage‐dependent sodium channel of the muscle cells with μ‐conotoxin GIIIB) the physiological role of the P1Rs in the NMJ must be better observed. We found that the presence of a non‐selective P1R agonist (adenosine) or antagonist (8‐SPT) or selective modulators of A1R or A2AR subtypes (CCPA and DPCPX, or CGS‐21680 and SCH‐58261, respectively) does not result in any changes in the evoked release. However, P1Rs seem to be involved in spontaneous release (miniature endplate potentials MEPPs) because MEPP frequency is increased by non‐selective block but decreased by non‐selective stimulation, with A1Rs playing the main role. We assayed the role of P1Rs in presynaptic short‐term plasticity during imposed synaptic activity (40 Hz for 2 min of supramaximal stimuli). Depression is reduced by micromolar adenosine but increased by blocking P1Rs with 8‐SPT. Synaptic depression is not affected by the presence of selective A1R and A2AR modulators, which suggests that both receptors need to collaborate. Thus, A1R and A2AR might have no real effect on neuromuscular transmission in resting conditions. However, these receptors can conserve resources by limiting spontaneous quantal leak of acetylcholine and may protect synaptic function by reducing the magnitude of depression during repetitive activity.
Effects of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and osteoprotegerin expression in periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Zhao L. , Chen J. , Cheng L. , Wang X. , Du J. , Wang F. , Peng Z. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the influence of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid (LTA) on the key bone resorption‐regulating proteins, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL cells).MethodologyPeriodontal ligament cells were subjected to various concentrations of LTA. Cell viability was then determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, whilst the expression levels of RANKL and OPG were investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The effect of the inhibitors [IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase (IRAK)‐1/4, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) (SB203580)] on LTA‐stimulated RANKL/OPG activation was examined. Cell viability and RANKL/OPG ratio in PDL cells were also analysed by MTT assay and Western blotting. Data were analysed using one‐way anova or t‐test at a significance level of P = 0.05.ResultCell viability was reduced significantly in the LTA group in a dose‐dependent fashion (P < 0.05). In addition, LTA was found to upregulate the protein expression of RANKL, OPG and their relative ratio in PDL cells (P < 0.05). The optimal concentration of LTA used in PDL cells was determined to be 10 μg mL−1. Following IRAK1/4 and p38MAPK inhibition, LTA‐stimulated increases of RANKL/OPG ratio were significantly reduced (P < 0.05).ConclusionEnterococcus faecalis LTA could upregulate the expression of RANKL and OPG at different rates, suggesting a potential role for LTA in the bone resorption process of refractory apical periodontitis through the regulation of RANKL and OPG. In addition, IRAK1/4 and p38MAPK signalling involving RANKL/OPG may contribute to inflammatory responses from PDL cells.
Effects of Particle Size on Electromagnetic and Microwave Absorption Properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3±δ‐Epoxy Composite
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Cao Quanxi , Zhang Maolin , Cai Lei , Yan Qidong 
Published: April 2013

La0.7Sr0.3MnO3±δ powders were fabricated by solid‐state reaction method at 1473 K for 4 h. The precursors were prepared by ball‐milling raw materials for 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, respectively. The crystal structures, particle size, and morphologies of precursors and prepared La0.7Sr0.3MnO3±δ were characterized by XRD, laser particle size analyzer and SEM, respectively. It is found that La0.7Sr0.3MnO3±δ possessed large particle size by ball‐milling raw materials for a long time. Results indicated that La0.7Sr0.3MnO3±δ, synthesized by ball‐milling raw materials for 3 h, exhibited the optimal microwave absorption properties. The maximum reflection loss was −28.8 dB, and the −6 dB absorption bandwidth was 5.80 GHz.
La flexibilización laboral en un contexto de austeridad fiscal: una imprudencia peligrosa
Authors: CAPALDO Jeronim , IZURIETA Alex 
Published: April 2013

Resumen.Los autores analizan los efectos de combinar la austeridad fiscal con políticas de flexibilización laboral enriqueciendo así el debate actual al respecto. Mediante un macromodelo analítico simplificado con una dinámica de distribución explícita y una perspectiva mundial plantean el problema de agregación y demuestran que las políticas de flexibilización que merman el componente salarial provocan retroacciones mundiales que se traducen en una espiral descendente y en una contracción, aun en las economías impulsadas por las exportaciones. En conclusión, los beneficios iniciales de las economías competitivas resultan efímeros; a largo plazo, la economía mundial está impulsada por los salarios y responde positivamente a estímulos keynesianos coordinados.
¿Quién se ocupará de dar cumplimiento al Convenio sobre el trabajo marítimo, 2006?
Authors: PINIELLA Francisco , SILOS José María , BERNAL Francisca 
Published: April 2013

Resumen.El Convenio sobre el trabajo marítimo, 2006, que entrará en vigor en agosto de 2013, unifica normas adoptadas por la OIT desde 1920. Constituye el «cuarto pilar» del régimen de reglamentación marítima internacional, junto con tres convenios de la OMI sobre seguridad y control de la contaminación en el mar. Según los autores, el reto consistirá en hacerlo cumplir dentro de los marcos actuales de inspección por el Estado rector del puerto y por el Estado del pabellón. Técnicamente, la responsabilidad recae en el segundo, pero dada la proliferación de pabellones de conveniencia, el papel del primero resultará crucial, al igual que la formación de los inspectores.
Disposiciones laborales en los tratados de libre comercio: balance y perspectivas
Authors: SIROËN Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2013

Resumen.La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) y la Ronda de Doha han decidido dejar en manos de la OIT las cuestiones laborales. Sin embargo, como muestra este artículo, los países más activos en la conclusión de acuerdos comerciales preferenciales incluyen disposiciones sobre trabajo, más o menos exigentes, cuyo presunto carácter proteccionista no ha podido demostrarse. Estas cláusulas responden a objetivos diversos y a veces contradictorios, recurren poco a las sanciones y exigen en general medidas orientadas a la mejora de la legislación y las prácticas y a la promoción del trabajo decente. El autor ofrece varias sugerencias al respecto.
High Prevalence of Hearing Loss at the Special Olympics: Is This Representative of People with Intellectual Disability?
Authors: Hey C. , Fessler S. , Hafner N. , Lange B. P. , Euler H. A. , Neumann K. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe Healthy Hearing (HH) programme at theSpecialOlympics (SO) revealed hearing disorders in between 16 and 40% of athletes. However, it is not clear whether these prevalence represents the entire population with intellectual disability. Therefore, this study compares the hearing status ofSOathletes with an intellectual disability (ID) to students withIDat a special needs school.Materials and MethodsTheHHscreening was performed in 637 athletes (mean age 27.1 years, range 9.7–70.6 years) during the 2008GermanSO SummerGames – and in 198 special needs students (mean age 12.7 years, range 6.7–20.0 years).ResultsTwenty‐two per cent of athletes and 18% of students failed theHHscreening. Approximately 60% of the total participants received recommendations for further follow‐up and treatment without between‐group differences.ConclusionsThe results of theHHscreening atSOevents are assumed to be representative of children and adolescents withIDin special needs schools.
Career Mentoring Needs of Youths in Foster Care: Voices for Change
Authors: Hudson Angela L. 
Published: April 2013

ProblemAdolescents with a history of foster care placement are more likely to become homeless, have mental illness, become parents too early in life, or become incarcerated within the juvenile justice/prison system. In addition, a low percentage of young adults, who formerly were in foster care, complete vocational training or higher education.MethodsThis was a qualitative study, using focus group methodology. Four focus group sessions were conducted with youth living in foster care. The purpose was to obtain their perceptions about mentoring. Focus groups comprised six to eight youths per group and were guided by a semi‐structured interview guide.FindingsA total of 27 youth in foster care participated in focus group interviews. Mean age was 16.4 (SD = 0.68) years. Youth participants were very knowledgeable about mentoring programs for at‐risk youth, along with negative psychosocial outcomes experienced by former foster youth. However, they remarked that they are given few opportunities for career mentoring. The overall themes that emerged from narrative data were needing and finding authority figures, hooking up with a career mentor, and deserving the good life.ConclusionCareer mentoring is an affordable and feasible intervention for child welfare agencies. This could lead to more motivated and prepared youth living in foster care for vocational training or higher education. Learning opportunities from a career mentor may be a lifeline for preventing negative psychosocial outcomes for foster youth, reward achievement goals, and improve overall quality of life in emerging adulthood.
Nutrition education tools used in phenylketonuria: clinician, parent and patient perspectives from three international surveys
Authors: Bernstein L. E. , Helm J. R. , Rocha J. C. , Almeida M. F. , Feillet F. , Link R. M. , Gizewska M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThree international surveys were developed aiming to identify the current nutrition educational tools used in the management of phenylketonuria (PKU) and the perceived effectiveness of these tools by clinicians, parents and patients.MethodsThe first two surveys were distributed through the Metabolic Dietitians ListServe (pno-metabl@listserv.cc.emory.edu), and the third survey was distributed by international clinics and the National PKU Alliance website (www.npkua.org). A total of 888 responses (S1, n = 88; S2, n = 81; S3, n = 719) were collected from all three surveys. The surveys represent participants from 17 countries, in Europe; North America (USA and Canada); Mexico; Argentina; Turkey; Australia; and Africa (Tunisia).ResultsA consistent decline in ‘parents as role models’ as an educational tool was observed starting at age 10 years. Patients responded they feel their families are the most effective form of education, whereas handouts were selected as the least effective educational tool by patients. Parents responded they feel the most effective educational tool is one‐on‐one counselling. Patients and parents show a desirable trend in wanting to attend group clinic, even in centres where this type of educational tool is not offered.ConclusionsThere was a discrepancy between clinicians and patient views regarding the perceived effectiveness of the nutrition education tools. Future research is needed surrounding the impact nutrition education may have on improved dietary compliance in patients with PKU.
Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve swallowing function in patients with dysphagia caused by non‐stroke diseases: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan C. , Liu Y. , Li W. , Liu J. , Chen L. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThere is still debate over whether the effect of transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in dysphagia rehabilitation is superior to traditional therapy (TT). The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess the overall efficacy by comparing the two treatment protocols. Published medical studies in the English language were obtained by comprehensive searches of the Medline, Cochrane and EMBASE databases from January 1966 to December 2011. Studies that compared the efficacy of treatment and clinical outcomes of NMES versus TT in dysphagia rehabilitation were assessed. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction. Data assessing swallowing function improvement were extracted as scores on the Swallowing Function Scale as the change from baseline (change scores). Seven studies were eligible for inclusion, including 291 patients, 175 of whom received NMES and 116 of whom received TT. Of the seven studies, there were two randomised controlled trials, one multicentre randomised controlled trial and four clinical controlled trials. The change scores on the Swallowing Function Scale of patients with dysphagia treated with NMES were significantly higher compared with patients treated with TT [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0·77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·13 to 1·41, P = 0·02]. However, subgroup analysis according to aetiology showed that there were no differences between NMES and TT in dysphagia post‐stroke (SMD = 0·78, 95% CI: −0·22 to 1·78, P = 0·13, 4 studies, 175 patients). No studies reported complications of NMES. NMES is more effective for treatment of adult dysphagia patients of variable aetiologies than TT. However, in patients with dysphagia post‐stroke, the effectiveness was comparable.
Reduced immune responses to purified protein derivative and Candida albicans in oral lichen planus
Authors: Simark‐Mattsson Charlotte , Eklund Christina 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundImpairment of cellular immunity is reported in lichen planus, an autoimmune disease affecting mucosae and skin. Our aim was to investigate immune responses directed against a set of microbial antigens in patients with oral lichen planus and in matched controls.MethodsVenous blood was obtained, and the mononuclear cells were enriched by density gradient centrifugation. The proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed, following stimulation with purified protein derivative (PPD), Candida albicans, phytohemagglutinin or when cells were left unstimulated, after three or six days of cell culture. The production of interleukin‐1ß (IL‐1ß), IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, MCP‐1, MIP‐ß was assessed in supernatants using the Bio‐plex® assay and was complemented with ELISA for selected cytokines.ResultsPatients with oral lichen planus demonstrated reduced proliferative responses against PPD (P < 0.05) and C. albicans (P < 0.05). The majority of investigated cytokines, including the pro‐inflammatory, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α were expressed at reduced levels in PPD‐stimulated supernatants from patients with oral lichen planus.ConclusionsCollectively, the findings suggested that memory lymphocytes from patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) may have an impaired functional ability to react against certain recall antigens, as part of a generalized response, which may reflect immune regulatory processes. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of down‐regulation in OLP pathogenesis and progression.