bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objectively measured physical activity has a negative but weak association with academic performance in children and adolescents
Authors: Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Tejero‐González Carlos Mª , Martinez‐Gomez David , Cabanas‐Sánchez Verónica , Fernández‐Santos Jorge R. , Conde‐Caveda Julio , Sallis James F. , Veiga Oscar L. ,   UP & DOWN Study Group
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThere is an emerging body of evidence on the potential effects of regular physical activity on academic performance. The aim of this study was to add to the debate, by examining the association between objectively measured physical activity and academic performance in a relatively large sample of children and adolescents.MethodsThe Spanish UP & DOWN study is a 3‐year longitudinal study designed to assess the impact, overtime, of physical activity and sedentary behaviours on health indicators. This present analysis was conducted with 1778 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry. Academic performance was assessed using school grades.ResultsPhysical activity was inversely associated with all academic performance indicators after adjustment for potential confounders, including neonatal variables, fatness and fitness (all p < 0.05). This association became nonsignificant among quartiles of physical activity. There were only slight differences in academic performance between the lowest and the second quartile of physical activity, compared to the highest quartile, with very small effect size (d < 0.20).ConclusionObjectively measured physical activity may influence academic performance during both childhood and adolescence, but this association was negative and very weak. Longitudinal and intervention studies are necessary to further our understanding.
The effect of hypogonadism and testosterone‐enhancing therapy on alkaline phosphatase and bone mineral density
Authors: Dabaja Ali A. , Bryson Campbell F. , Schlegel Peter N. , Paduch Darius A. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship of testosterone‐enhancing therapy on alkaline phosphatase (AP) in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) in hypogonadal men.Patients and MethodsRetrospective review of 140 men with testosterone levels of <350 ng/dL undergoing testosterone‐enhancing therapy and followed for 2 years. Follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, free testosterone, total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, calcium, AP, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were analysed. A subgroup of 36 men with one DEXA scan before and one DEXA 2 years after initiating treatment was performed.ResultsAnalysis of the relationship between testosterone and AP at initiation of therapy using stiff linear splines suggested that bone turnover occurs at total testosterone levels of <250 ng/dL. In men with testosterone levels of <250 ng/dL, there was a negative correlation between testosterone and AP (R2 = −0.347, P < 0.001), and no correlation when testosterone levels were between 250 and 350 ng/dL. In the subgroup analysis, the mean (sd) testosterone level was 264 (103) ng/dL initially and 701 (245), 539 (292), and 338 (189) ng/dL at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. AP decreased from a mean (sd) of 87 (38) U/L to 57 (12) U/L (P = 0.015), 60 (17) U/L (P < 0.001), and 55 (10) U/L (P = 0.03) at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The BMD increased by a mean (sd) of 20 (39)% (P = 0.003) on DEXA.ConclusionIn hypogonadal men, the decrease in AP is associated with an increase in BMD on DEXA testing. This result suggests the use of AP as a marker of response to therapy.
Vaccine-associated varicella and rubella infections in severe combined immunodeficiency with isolated CD4 lymphocytopenia and mutations in IL 7 R detected by tandem whole exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray
Authors: Bayer D K , Martinez C A , Sorte H S , Forbes L R , Demmler-Harrison G J , Hanson I C , Pearson N M , Noroski L M , Zaki S R , Bellini W J , Leduc M S , Yang Y , Eng C M , Patel A , Rodningen O K , Muzny D M , Gibbs R A , Campbell I M , Shaw C A , Baker M W , Zhang V , Lupski J R , Orange J S , Seeborg F O , Stray-Pedersen A 
Published: July 2014

Summary
In areas without newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), disease-defining infections may lead to diagnosis, and in some cases, may not be identified prior to the first year of life. We describe a female infant who presented with disseminated vaccine-acquired varicella (VZV) and vaccine-acquired rubella infections at 13 months of age. Immunological evaluations demonstrated neutropenia, isolated CD4 lymphocytopenia, the presence of CD8+T cells, poor lymphocyte proliferation, hypergammaglobulinaemia and poor specific antibody production to VZV infection and routine immunizations. A combination of whole exome sequencing and custom-designed chromosomal microarray with exon coverage of primary immunodeficiency genes detected compound heterozygous mutations (one single nucleotide variant and one intragenic copy number variant involving one exon) within the IL7R gene. Mosaicism for wild-type allele (20–30%) was detected in pretransplant blood and buccal DNA and maternal engraftment (5–10%) demonstrated in pretransplant blood DNA. This may be responsible for the patient's unusual immunological phenotype compared to classical interleukin (IL)-7Rα deficiency. Disseminated VZV was controlled with anti-viral and immune-based therapy, and umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation was successful. Retrospectively performed T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) analyses completed on neonatal Guthrie cards identified absent TREC. This case emphasizes the danger of live viral vaccination in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients and the importance of newborn screening to identify patients prior to high-risk exposures. It also illustrates the value of aggressive pathogen identification and treatment, the influence newborn screening can have on morbidity and mortality and the significant impact of newer genomic diagnostic tools in identifying the underlying genetic aetiology for SCID patients.
New diagnostic criteria could distinguish common variable immunodeficiency disorder from anticonvulsant‐induced hypogammaglobulinemia
Authors: Ameratunga Rohan , Lindsay Karen , Woon See‐Tarn , Jordan Anthony , Anderson Neil E. , Koopmans Wikke 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHypogammaglobulinemia is a well‐recognized complication of long‐term anticonvulsant drug use. Stopping or changing the anticonvulsant might result in resolution of the hypogammaglobulinemia. We determined the utility of our new diagnostic criteria for common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) in a patient suffering from profound hypogammaglobulinemia who was taking anticonvulsants. Application of these criteria confirmed our patient had underlying CVID, making complete recovery of her immunoglobulins unlikely. Changing her drugs did not completely resolve her immune deficiency, and her seizure control deteriorated during this time. The partial recovery of her immunoglobulins showed that the anticonvulsants were also contributing to her hypogammaglobulinemia. In conclusion, the new diagnostic criteria we have proposed could identify patients with CVID taking anticonvulsants with greater precision, and will provide useful prognostic information. This might improve patient safety.
Inequalities in child welfare intervention rates: the intersection of deprivation and identity
Authors: Bywaters Paul , Brady Geraldine , Sparks Tim , Bos Elizabeth 
Published: July 2014

AbstractChild welfare systems internationally exhibit very large inequalities in a variety of dimensions of practice, for example, in rates of child protection plans or registrations and out‐of‐home care. Previous research in the midlands region of England (Bywaters; Bywaters et al.) has detailed key aspects of the relationship between levels of neighbourhood deprivation and intervention rates. This paper reports further evidence from the study examining the intersection of deprivation with aspects of identity: gender, disability, ethnicity and age. Key findings include a decreasing gender gap and a decreasing proportion of children in need reported to be disabled as deprivation increases. The data challenge the perception that black children are more likely than white to be in out‐of‐home care, a finding that only holds if the much higher level of deprivation among black children is not taken into account. Similarly, after controlling for deprivation and age, Asian children were found to be up to six times less likely to be in out‐of‐home care. The study requires replication and extension in order that observed inequalities are tested and explained. Urgent ethical, research, policy and practice issues are raised about child welfare systems.
An Empirical Assessment of the Focal Species Hypothesis
Authors: LINDENMAYER D.B. , LANE P.W. , WESTGATE M.J. , CRANE M. , MICHAEL D. , OKADA S. , BARTON P.S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBiodiversity surrogates and indicators are commonly used in conservation management. The focal species approach (FSA) is one method for identifying biodiversity surrogates, and it is underpinned by the hypothesis that management aimed at a particular focal species will confer protection on co‐occurring species. This concept has been the subject of much debate, in part because the validity of the FSA has not been subject to detailed empirical assessment of the extent to which a given focal species actually co‐occurs with other species in an assemblage. To address this knowledge gap, we used large‐scale, long‐term data sets of temperate woodland birds to select focal species associated with threatening processes such as habitat isolation and loss of key vegetation attributes. We quantified co‐occurrence patterns among focal species, species in the wider bird assemblage, and species of conservation concern. Some, but not all, focal species were associated with high levels of species richness. One of our selected focal species was negatively associated with the occurrence of other species (i.e., it was an antisurrogate)—a previously undescribed property of nominated focal species. Furthermore, combinations of focal species were not associated with substantially elevated levels of bird species richness, relative to levels associated with individual species. Our results suggest that although there is some merit to the underpinning concept of the FSA, there is also a need to ensure that actions are sufficiently flexible because management tightly focused on a given focal species may not benefit some other species, including species of conservation concern, such of which might not occur in species‐rich assemblages.Una Evaluación Empírica de la Hipótesis de Especie Focal
Ecological and Social Outcomes of a New Protected Area in Tanzania
Authors: HALL JACLYN M. , BURGESS NEIL D. , RANTALA SALLA , VIHEMÄKI HEINI , JAMBIYA GEORGE , GEREAU ROY E. , MAKONDA FORTUNATUS , NJILIMA FADHILI , SUMBI PETER , KIZAJI ADAM 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBalancing ecological and social outcomes of conservation actions is recognized in global conservation policy but is challenging in practice. Compensation to land owners or users for foregone assets has been proposed by economists as an efficient way to mitigate negative social impacts of human displacement from protected areas. Joint empirical assessments of the conservation and social impacts of protected area establishment involving compensation payments are scarce. We synthesized social and biological studies related to the establishment of the Derema forest corridor in Tanzania's biodiverse East Usambara Mountains. This lengthy conservation process involved the appropriation of approximately 960 ha of native canopy agroforest and steep slopes for the corridor and monetary compensation to more than 1100 claimants in the surrounding villages. The overarching goals from the outset were to conserve ecological processes while doing no harm to the local communities. We evaluated whether these goals were achieved by analyzing 3 indicators of success: enhancement of forest connectivity, improvement of forest condition, and mitigation of negative impacts on local people's livelihoods. Indicators of forest connectivity and conditions were enhanced through reductions of forest loss and exotic species and increases in native species and canopy closure. Despite great efforts by national and international organizations, the intervention failed to mitigate livelihood losses especially among the poorest people. The Derema case illustrates the challenges of designing and implementing compensation schemes for conservation‐related displacement of people.Resultados Ecológicos y Sociales de un Área Protegida Nueva en Tanzania
Positive Feedback Loop between Introductions of Non‐Native Marine Species and Cultivation of Oysters in Europe
Authors: MINEUR FREDERIC , LE ROUX AUGUSTE , MAGGS CHRISTINE A. , VERLAQUE MARC 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWith globalization, agriculture and aquaculture activities are increasingly affected by diseases that are spread through movement of crops and stock. Such movements are also associated with the introduction of non‐native species via hitchhiking individual organisms. The oyster industry, one of the most important forms of marine aquaculture, embodies these issues. In Europe disease outbreaks affecting cultivated populations of the naturalized oyster Crassostrea gigas caused a major disruption of production in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Mitigation procedures involved massive imports of stock from the species’ native range in the northwestern Pacific from 1971 to 1977. We assessed the role stock imports played in the introduction of non‐native marine species (including pathogens) from the northwestern Pacific to Europe through a methodological and critical appraisal of record data. The discovery rate of non‐native species (a proxy for the introduction rate) from 1966 to 2012 suggests a continuous vector activity over the entire period. Disease outbreaks that have been affecting oyster production since 2008 may be a result of imports from the northwestern Pacific, and such imports are again being considered as an answer to the crisis. Although successful as a remedy in the short and medium terms, such translocations may bring new diseases that may trigger yet more imports (self‐reinforcing or positive feedback loop) and lead to the introduction of more hitchhikers. Although there is a legal framework to prevent or reduce these introductions, existing procedures should be improved.Ciclo de Retroalimentación Positiva entre la Introducción de Especies Marinas No‐Nativas y el Cultivo de Ostras en Europa
Proteomics for the diagnosis of thyroid lesions: preliminary report
Authors: Pagni F. , Mainini V. , Garancini M. , Bono F. , Vanzati A. , Giardini V. , Scardilli M. , Goffredo P. , Smith A. J. , Galli M. , De Sio G. , Magni F. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveMatrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a unique proteomic technology that explores the spatial distribution of biomolecules directly in situ, thus integrating molecular and morphological information. The possibility of correlating distribution maps of multiple analyses with cytological features makes it an ideal research tool for discovering new diagnostic markers. A previous study showed that MALDI‐IMS could help discrimination between different types of thyroid lesions, especially papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); the present feasibility study on ex vivo fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears describes its potential in detecting new proteomic targets of other thyroid lesions (follicular lesions, medullary carcinoma).MethodsMALDI‐IMS was conducted on ex vivo FNAs obtained from surgical specimens and corresponding in vivo samples. Differences between proteomic profiles of different thyroid lesions were compared.ResultsComparing the protein profiles of hyperplastic nodules obtained from three different patients with each other, and with a new PTC, showed a high degree of concordance, indicating good reproducibility of the IMS technology on cytological samples, suggesting its potential as a tool for biomarker discovery. Furthermore, comparison of the average proteomic profiles of hyperplastic nodules with a Hürthle cell adenoma revealed significant differences, underlying the capability of MALDI‐IMS to distinguish between different thyroid lesions. Finally, the proteomic profile of medullary thyroid carcinoma was also characterized.ConclusionsOur results confirmed the possible role of MALDI‐IMS in the search for diagnostic targets of PTC and follicular lesions, which could be applied in larger trials aimed at the identification of proteins, convertible to cost‐effective diagnostic tools such as immunohistochemistry. These tests could be used to analyse in vivo cytological smears, improving the preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Plasma free fatty acids do not provide the link between obesity and insulin resistance or β‐cell dysfunction: results of the Reading, Imperial, Surrey, Cambridge, Kings (RISCK) study
Authors: Johns I. , Goff L. , Bluck L. J. , Griffin B. A. , Jebb S. A. , Lovegrove J. A. , Sanders T. A. B. , Frost G. , Dornhorst A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate the relationship between adiposity and plasma free fatty acid levels and the influence of total plasma free fatty acid level on insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function.MethodsAn insulin sensitivity index, acute insulin response to glucose and a disposition index, derived from i.v. glucose tolerance minimal model analysis and total fasting plasma free fatty acid levels were available for 533 participants in the Reading, Imperial, Surrey, Cambridge, Kings study. Bivariate correlations were made between insulin sensitivity index, acute insulin response to glucose and disposition index and both adiposity measures (BMI, waist circumference and body fat mass) and total plasma free fatty acid levels. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed, controlling for age, sex, ethnicity and adiposity.ResultsAfter adjustment, all adiposity measures were inversely associated with insulin sensitivity index (BMI: β = −0.357; waist circumference: β = −0.380; body fat mass: β = −0.375) and disposition index (BMI: β = −0.215; waist circumference: β = −0.248; body fat mass: β = −0.221) and positively associated with acute insulin response to glucose [BMI: β = 0.200; waist circumference: β = 0.195; body fat mass β = 0.209 (P values <0.001)]. Adiposity explained 13, 4 and 5% of the variation in insulin sensitivity index, acute insulin response to glucose and disposition index, respectively. After adjustment, no adiposity measure was associated with free fatty acid level, but total plasma free fatty acid level was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity index (β = −0.133), acute insulin response to glucose (β = −0.148) and disposition index [β = −0.218 (P values <0.01)]. Plasma free fatty acid concentration accounted for 1.5, 2 and 4% of the variation in insulin sensitivity index, acute insulin response to glucose and disposition index, respectively.ConclusionsPlasma free fatty acid levels have a modest negative association with insulin sensitivity, β‐cell secretion and disposition index but no association with adiposity measures. It is unlikely that plasma free fatty acids are the primary mediators of obesity‐related insulin resistance or β‐cell dysfunction.
Motivation, effort and life circumstances as predictors of foot ulcers and amputations in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bruun C. , Guassora A. D. , Nielsen A. B. S. , Siersma V. , Holstein P. E. , de Fine Olivarius N. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the predictive value of both patients' motivation and effort in their management of Type 2 diabetes and their life circumstances for the development of foot ulcers and amputations.MethodsThis study was based on the Diabetes Care in General Practice study and Danish population and health registers. The associations between patient motivation, effort and life circumstances and foot ulcer prevalence 6 years after diabetes diagnosis and the incidence of amputation in the following 13 years were analysed using odds ratios from logistic regression and hazard ratios from Cox regression models, respectively.ResultsFoot ulcer prevalence 6 years after diabetes diagnosis was 2.93% (95% CI 1.86–4.00) among 956 patients. General practitioners' indication of ‘poor’ vs ‘very good’ patient motivation for diabetes management was associated with higher foot ulcer prevalence (odds ratio 6.11, 95% CI 1.22–30.61). The same trend was seen for ‘poor’ vs ‘good’ influence of the patient's own effort in diabetes treatment (odds ratio 7.06, 95% CI 2.65–18.84). Of 1058 patients examined at 6‐year follow‐up, 45 experienced amputation during the following 13 years. ‘Poor’ vs ‘good’ influence of the patients’ own effort was associated with amputation (hazard ratio 7.12, 95% CI 3.40–14.92). When general practitioners assessed the influence of patients’ life circumstances as ‘poor’ vs ‘good’, the amputation incidence increased (hazard ratio 2.97, 95% CI 1.22–7.24). ‘Poor’ vs ‘very good’ patient motivation was also associated with a higher amputation incidence (hazard ratio 7.57, 95% CI 2.43–23.57), although not in fully adjusted models.ConclusionsGeneral practitioners' existing knowledge of patients' life circumstances, motivation and effort in diabetes management should be included in treatment strategies to prevent foot complications.
Type 2 diabetes continuing medical education for general practitioners: what works? A systematic review
Authors: Thepwongsa I. , Kirby C. , Schattner P. , Shaw J. , Piterman L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsTo perform a systematic review of studies that have assessed the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve healthcare professionals' care of patients with diabetes and to assess the effects of educational interventions targeted at general practitioners' diabetes management.MethodsA computer search was conducted using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Informit, Google scholar and ERIC from the earliest date of each database up until 2013. A supplementary review of reference lists from each article obtained was also carried out. Measured changes in general practitioners' satisfaction, knowledge, practice behaviours and patient outcomes were recorded.ResultsThirteen out of 1255 studies met the eligibility criteria, but none was specifically conducted in rural or remote areas. Ten studies were randomized trials. Fewer than half of the studies (5/13, 38.5%) reported a significant improvement in at least one of the following outcome categories: satisfaction with the programme, knowledge and practice behaviour. There was little evidence of the impact of general practitioner educational interventions on patient outcomes. Of the five studies that examined patient outcomes, only one reported a positive impact: a reduction in patient HbA1c levels.ConclusionsFew studies examined the effectiveness of general practitioner Type 2 diabetes education in improving general practitioner satisfaction, knowledge, practices and/or patient outcomes. Evidence to support the effectiveness of education is partial and weak. To determine effective strategies for general practitioner education related to Type 2 diabetes, further well designed studies, accompanied by valid and reliable evaluation methods, are needed.