bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative Recruitment Strategies Influence Saliva Sample Return Rates in Community‐Based Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Bhutta Mahmood F. , Hobson Lindsey , Lambie Jane , Scaman Elizabeth S. H. , Burton Martin J. , Giele Henk , Jamieson Sarra E. , Furniss Dominic 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCollection of saliva for DNA extraction has created new opportunities to recruit participants from the community for genetic association studies. However, sample return rates are variable. No prior study has specifically addressed how study design impacts sample return. Using data from three large‐scale genetic association studies we compared recruitment strategy and sample return rates. We found highly significant differences in sample return rates between the studies. In studies that recruited retrospectively, overall returns were much lower from families with a self‐limiting condition who provided samples at a research centre or home visit, than adult elderly individuals with a chronic disease who provided samples by post (59% vs. 84%). Prospective recruitment was associated with high agreement to participate (72%), but subsequent low return of actual saliva samples (42%). A telephone call had marginal effect on recruitment in a retrospective family study, but significantly improved returns in a prospective family study. We found no effect upon DNA yield comparing observed versus unobserved sample collection, or between male and female adult participants. Overall, study design significantly impacts upon response rates for genetic association studies recruiting from the community. Our findings will help researchers in constructing and costing a recruitment protocol.
Prediction of successful expectant management of first trimester miscarriage: Development and validation of a new mathematical model
Authors: Casikar Ishwari , Lu Chuan , Reid Shannon , Condous George 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo generate and evaluate a new logistic regression model for the prediction of successful expectant management of first trimester miscarriage.MethodsData were collected prospectively from women diagnosed with 1st trimester miscarriage. Clinical and ultrasonographic variables were recorded for multivariate analysis. Clinically stable women who were managed expectantly were followed up for two weeks until the outcome was established: success or failure. A multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model was developed on 186 training cases for the prediction of successful expectant management and tested prospectively on a further 126 cases. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as well as in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).ResultsTwo thousand and forty eight consecutive first trimester women underwent TVS. Complete data from 312 (15.2%) women with miscarriage managed expectantly were included in the final analysis. The most important independent prognostic variables for the MLR model were as follows: type of miscarriage at primary scan, vaginal bleeding and maternal age. When developed retrospectively on a training data set, MLR model gave an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.796. Prospective validation of MLR model on a new test data set resulted in an AUC of 0.803.ConclusionWe have developed and validated a new mathematical model to predict successful management of first trimester miscarriage.
On the well‐being of adult expremies in Denmark
Authors: Ulrich Marianne , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Jensen Claus , Kamper Jens 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo study health, well‐being in daily life, educational level and socio‐economic status in adulthood in moderately premature infants and the relationship to gender and socio‐economic status at birth.MethodsProspective long‐term follow‐up study of a cohort of infants with a gestational age between 32 and 37 weeks and term controls born between January 1972 and June 1973 in the municipality of Odense in Denmark. Information about life circumstances at 32 years was acquired by a mailed questionnaire.ResultsThe study comprised 373 participants aged 31–32 years (56% of the original cohort). Questionnaires were returned by 69 participants who were born moderately premature and 304 participants who were born at term (53 and 57%, respectively, of the original cohort). Multivariate analysis showed that social status and level of education at 32 years were predicted by social status and maternal educational level at birth with no demonstrable effects due to gestation or gender.ConclusionModerately premature infants, born before the era of intensive care, at the age of 32 years with regard to health, quality of life, education and social status proved to fare as well as their term counterparts.
Investigation of novel genes for lung function in children and their interaction with tobacco smoke exposure: a preliminary report
Authors: Panasevich Sviatlana , Melén Erik , Hallberg Jenny , Bergström Anna , Svartengren Magnus , Pershagen Göran , Nyberg Fredrik 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo replicate newly reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with adult lung function in a cohort of children and to investigate interactions with tobacco smoke exposure on lung function.MethodsOf 37 reported SNPs in adults, 21 were available in our genome‐wide association study data set, either directly genotyped or as proxy SNPs. We tested for association with lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC%) in 8‐year‐old children and analysed interaction with tobacco smoke exposure both prenatally and/or during infancy, as well as at the age of 8 years.ResultsSNPs in TNS1, ADAM19, THSD4 and ADCY2 showed significant association with lung function in children, although ADCY2 variants not in the expected direction. For example, variant allele A in THSD4 rs12899618 was associated with 50.2 mL higher FEV1 (p = 0.007) and variant allele C in ADAM19 rs2277027 with 1% unit lower FEV1/FVC% (p = 0.03) per allele. DAAM2 rs2395730 showed interaction with current tobacco smoke exposure, with variant C allele associated with 1.3% unit decrease in FEV1/FVC% in exposed children, but not in unexposed (p for interaction 0.04).ConclusionOur data replicate in children an association for TNS1, ADAM19, THSD4 and ADCY2 gene variants with lung function and suggest that interaction with tobacco smoke exposure may be of importance.
Design and Estimation for Evaluating Principal Surrogate Markers in Vaccine Trials
Authors: Huang Ying , Gilbert Peter B. , Wolfson Julian 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSummaryIn vaccine research, immune biomarkers that can reliably predict a vaccine's effect on the clinical endpoint (i.e., surrogate markers) are important tools for guiding vaccine development. This article addresses issues on optimizing two‐phase sampling study design for evaluating surrogate markers in a principal surrogate framework, motivated by the design of a future HIV vaccine trial. To address the problem of missing potential outcomes in a standard trial design, novel trial designs have been proposed that utilize baseline predictors of the immune response biomarker(s) and/or augment the trial by vaccinating uninfected placebo recipients at the end of the trial and measuring their immune biomarkers. However, inefficient use of the augmented information can lead to counter‐intuitive results on the precision of estimation. To remedy this problem, we propose a pseudo‐score type estimator suitable for the augmented design and characterize its asymptotic properties. This estimator has superior performance compared with existing estimators and allows calculation of analytical variances useful for guiding study design. Based on the new estimator we investigate in detail the problem of optimizing the sampling scheme of a biomarker in a vaccine efficacy trial for efficiently estimating its surrogate effect, as characterized by the vaccine efficacy curve (a causal effect predictiveness curve) and by the predicted overall vaccine efficacy using the biomarker.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia following hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Craik Johnathan D. , Cobb Andrew G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryUntil recently, both the British Society for Haematology and American College of Chest Physicians recommended platelet monitoring in all surgical patients receiving prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the early diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). These guidelines were reversed in 2012 based upon an analysis considering resource expenditure, assay result timeframes, and complications relating to HIT treatment. However, there are no large studies reviewing lower limb arthroplasty patients on an individual basis to determine the incidence of HIT in this patient group. This study investigated 10 797 patients who underwent primary hip or knee arthroplasty with LMWH prophylaxis over a 5 years period. 32·6% of patients (n = 3515) had platelet counts recorded up to 14 d postoperatively with 13 patients (0·37%) developing thrombocytopenia. Platelet counts recovered spontaneously in five patients, and two patients had other identifiable causes. Only one of the remaining six patients developed thrombosis indicating an incidence of HIT‐related thrombosis of 0·03%. The potential for identifying HIT with platelet monitoring in patients receiving LMWH prophylaxis is low and therefore routine monitoring for HIT is not justified.
The molecular characterization of von Willebrand disease: good in parts
Authors: James P.D. , Lillicrap D. 
Published: February 2013

SummarySince the cloning of the gene that encodes von Willebrand factor (VWF), 27 years ago, significant progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular basis of the most common inherited bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease (VWD). The molecular pathology of this condition represents a range of genetic mechanisms, some of which are now very well characterized, and others that are still under investigation. In general, our knowledge of the molecular basis of type 2 and 3 VWD is now well advanced, and in some instances this information is being used to enhance clinical management. In contrast, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the most common form of VWD, type 1 disease, is still at an early stage, with preliminary evidence that this phenotype involves a complex interplay between environmental factors and the influence of genetic variability both within and outside of the VWF locus.
Don't tell me what I should do, but what others do: The influence of descriptive and injunctive peer norms on fruit consumption in adolescents
Authors: Stok F. Marijn , de Ridder Denise T. D. , de Vet Emely , de Wit John B. F. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesWhile healthy eating patterns are of high importance in adolescence, most adolescents portray quite unhealthy eating behaviour. One reason for this may be that social norms among peers tend to be unsupportive of healthy eating. The current study investigates whether communicating health‐promoting descriptive and injunctive norms influences adolescents' intended and actual fruit consumption.DesignThe study employed an experimental prospective design.MethodsA norm message manipulation (descriptive vs. injunctive vs. no‐norm control) was administered to high school students, after which fruit intake intention (N = 96) was assessed. At follow‐up, actual fruit intake over 2 days (N = 80) was recorded.ResultsAdolescents receiving the descriptive norm did not report higher fruit intake intentions than the control group, but did consume (borderline, p = .057) significantly more fruit in the following 2 days (2.3 portions per day) than the control condition (1.7 portion per day). Adolescents receiving the injunctive norm reported lower fruit intake intentions than the other two groups, but actual fruit consumption (1.5 portions per day) was similar to that of the control group.ConclusionsHealth‐promoting injunctive norms not only had no positive effects on fruit intake but actually caused a decrease in fruit intake intentions, indicating that injunctive norms may be vulnerable to reactance. A health‐promoting descriptive norm was found to positively affect fruit intake in adolescents. No effect on fruit intake intention was found. Results show that simple single‐sentence norm messages hold the potential to substantially influence health behaviour.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Previous research has shown that both descriptive and injunctive norms can influence behaviour. There are indications that for health behaviour specifically, descriptive norms may be more influential than injunctive norms. These previous studies have, however, been cross‐sectional in nature.What does this study add? The current study demonstrates that a very short and simple norm manipulation has the potential to substantially influence health behaviour. The current study demonstrates that injunctive norm messages have no influence on fruit intake, but a negative influence on fruit intake intentions, pointing to the potential that injunctive norms hold to induce resistance and reactance. The current study demonstrates that descriptive norm messages positively influence fruit intake behaviour, while intentions did not change, pointing to the possibility of descriptive norms functioning as heuristics for behaviour.
Structure of Small Mammal Assemblages Across Flooded and Unflooded Gallery Forests of the Amazonia‐Cerrado Ecotone
Authors: Ramos Pereira Maria , Rocha Rita G. , Ferreira Eduardo , Fonseca Carlos 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHabitat heterogeneity may affect the structure of animal assemblages even within apparently homogenous landscapes. Gallery forests of the Amazonia‐Cerrado ecotone have a small‐scale patchiness that is induced by river system dynamics. Gallery forests that never flood are located in upper areas of watercourse margins, whereas seasonally flooded gallery forests are located at lower ground along those margins. We tested the prediction that the assemblage structure of small non‐volant mammals of these two types of forests is distinct and arises from the ecological heterogeneity induced by seasonal floods. We found that species composition differed between forest types, with arboreal species dominating in the seasonally flooded forests and a more balanced distribution of arboreal and terrestrial species in unflooded forests. We found no differences in species abundance between habitats, but species richness was higher in unflooded forests. We hypothesize that this difference is due to decreased resource availability for strictly terrestrial species in seasonally flooded forests. Relative biomass of seasonally flooded forests was more than twice that of unflooded forests due to the dominance of large‐bodied didelphid species in that assemblage. Our results suggest that the ecological heterogeneity created by seasonal floods is central to maintaining diverse assemblages in this region. The preservation of both unflooded and flooded gallery forests, which are under high human pressure from deforestation, agricultural conversion, and implementation of dams, may be crucial to preserving small mammal diversity at the landscape scale.
Where are the Subtropics?
Authors: Corlett Richard T. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe tropics are clearly defined while ‘subtropics’ and ‘subtropical’ have been applied to a variety of zones, climates, and ecosystems. However, in the recent terrestrial biology literature, they have been used mainly for the zones between the tropics (±23.4oC) and ±30.0o. Adopting this standard would facilitate pan‐subtropical comparisons.
Post‐treatment efficacy of discontinuous treatment with 300IR 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet in adults with grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Didier A. , Malling H.‐J. , Worm M. , Horak F. , Sussman G. , Melac M. , Soulié S. , Zeldin R. K. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundSustained efficacy over three pollen seasons of pre‐ and co‐seasonal treatment with 300IR 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet has been demonstrated in adults with moderate‐severe grass pollen‐associated allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of discontinuous treatment with 300IR 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet during the post‐treatment pollen season of this long‐term study.MethodsAdults aged 18–50, sensitized to grass pollen, with a history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for more than two pollen seasons, and a retrospective rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score ≥ 12 (0–18 scale), were randomized to receive Placebo or a 300IR tablet daily beginning either 4 months (4M) or 2 months (2M) prior to each pollen season and continuing for its duration for three consecutive years. They were followed over the subsequent immunotherapy‐free pollen season. Post‐treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Average Adjusted Symptom Score (AAdSS, adjusting the Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score for rescue medication usage) during the post‐treatment pollen period. Secondary endpoints included Average Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (ARTSS), Average Rescue Medication Score (ARMS), overall Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score and safety evaluation. Efficacy variables were analysed using ancova.ResultsOverall, 435 patients contributed to the Year 4 efficacy analyses. The Least‐Squares (LS) mean differences (95% confidence interval) in AAdSS between active treatment and Placebo over the fourth pollen period were −1.14 (−2.03; −0.26) (P = 0.0114) and −1.43 (−2.32; −0.53) (P = 0.0019) in the (4M) and (2M) groups, corresponding to −22.9% and −28.5% relative LS mean differences (vs. Placebo) respectively. The active groups also showed statistically significant differences compared to Placebo in ARTSS, ARMS and overall RQLQ score. No safety risk was identified during the post‐treatment period.Conclusions and Clinical RelevancePre‐ and co‐seasonal treatment with 300IR 5‐grass pollen sublingual tablet administered discontinuously for three consecutive years is efficacious post‐treatment, safe and well tolerated. Benefits of treatment were meaningful to patients.
Antimalarial Drug Artemisinin Extenuates Amyloidogenesis and Neuroinflammation in APPswe/PS1dE9 Transgenic Mice via Inhibition of Nuclear Factor‐κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Shi Jian‐Quan , Zhang Chu‐Chu , Sun Xiu‐Lan , Cheng Xin‐Xin , Wang Jiang‐Bo , Zhang Ying‐Dong , Xu Jun , Zou Hai‐Qiang 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in neuroinflammation, which is closely linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vivo and in vitro studies have suggested that artemisinin shows antiinflammatory effects in inflammation‐related diseases. However, the impacts of artemisinin on AD have not been investigated.AimsIn this study, 5‐month‐old APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were treated daily with 40 mg/kg artemisinin for 30 days by intraperitoneal injection to evaluate the effects of artemisinin on AD.ResultsWe found that artemisinin treatment (1) decreased neuritic plaque burden; (2) did not alter Aβ transport across the blood–brain barrier; (3) regulated APP processing via inhibiting β‐secretase activity; (4) inhibited NF‐κB activity and NALP3 inflammasome activation in APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice.ConclusionsThe in vivo study clearly demonstrates that artemisinin has protective effects on AD pathology due to its effects on suppressing NF‐κB activity and NALP3 inflammasome activation. Our study suggests that targeting NF‐κB activity and NALP3 inflammasome activation offers a valuable intervention for AD.
Distribution of a Community of Mammals in Relation to Roads and Other Human Disturbances in Gabon, Central Africa
Authors: VANTHOMME HADRIEN , KOLOWSKI JOSEPH , KORTE LISA , ALONSO ALFONSO 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe present the first community‐level study of the associations of both roads and other human disturbances with the distribution of mammals in Gabon (central Africa). Our study site was in an oil concession within a littoral mosaic landscape. We conducted surveys along 199 line transects and installed camera traps on 99 of these transects to document mammal presence and abundance. We used generalized linear mixed‐effect models to document associations between variables related to the ecosystem (land cover, topography, and hydrology), roads (coating, width of rights of way, condition, type of vehicle used on the road, traffic level, affiliation of users, and general type of road), and other human disturbances (urbanization, agriculture, hunting, logging, gathering, and industrial activities) and the abundance or presence of 17 species or groups of mammals including elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), buffalo (Syncerus caffer), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), smaller ungulates, gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), side‐striped jackal (Canis adustus), carnivores, monkeys, and large rodents. Some types of roads and other human disturbances were negatively associated with the abundance or presence of elephants, buffalos, gorillas, sitatungas, some monkeys, and duikers. The pattern of associations of mammals with roads and other human disturbances was diverse and included positive associations with road presence (red river hog, some monkeys, and duikers), agriculture (sitatunga, small carnivores, and large rodents) and industrial activities (sitatunga, red river hog, red duikers, and side‐striped jackal). Our results suggest that the community of mammals we studied was mostly affected by hunting, agriculture, and urbanization, which are facilitated by road presence. We recommend increased regulation of agriculture, hunting, and road building in the area.Distribución de una Comunidad de Mamíferos en Relación a Carreteras y Otras Perturbaciones Humanas en Gabón, Africa Central
Dyeing method and properties of polymaleic acid dyes on cotton
Authors: Deng Yong , Tang Bingtao , Zhao Hongjuan , Xu Jiping , Xiao Jinqiu , Zhang Xingrong , Xu Hua , Zhang Shufen 
Published: February 2013

A polymaleic acid dye based on poly(maleic anhydride) was synthesised and evaluated in the dyeing of cotton. A series of dyeing auxiliaries were examined, and results showed that a composite auxiliary agent consisting of 20 g/l of zinc nitrate and 30 g/l of dicyandiamide was the most effective when a conventional pad‐dry‐cure dyeing process was used. The fixation could reach 99% and the wash and dry rub fastness could reach grade 4 and grade 4–5 respectively. The decrease in tearing strength of the dyed cotton was between 17.8 and 32.1%.