bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rationalization of outcome scores for low back pain: the Oswestry disability index and the low back outcome score
Authors: Eranki Vivek , Koul Kongposh , Fagan Andrew 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe two commonly used questionnaires to assess low back pain are the low back outcome score (LBOS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). This study aims to identify unique questions and remove redundant questions to develop a composite questionnaire.MethodsEighty‐seven consecutive patients attending the practice of a single spinal surgeon completed both the ODI and the LBOS as part of their initial assessment. Both questionnaires were analysed to eliminate questions that exhibit floor–ceiling bias and questions that are interdependent and correlate strongly. Total scores and the scores obtained for each question were then compared (Spearman's rho). A principal axis factor analysis using a varimax rotation was performed to reduce data and identify questions that were interdependent. Using these data, a composite questionnaire was proposed that would minimize overlap in clinical data.ResultsEighty‐seven patients completed the LBOS and ODI. The mean age is 54, with a range between 18 and 80. The male to female ratio was 50:37. By eliminating questions that contain biases and overlap in clinical data, the composite questionnaire contains 11 questions. From LBOS; housework, dressing, sleeping, sitting, walking and travelling. From the ODI; pain, standing, social life and lifting.ConclusionAnalysis of the questionnaires identified eight questions that were similar in both questionnaires. Two questions were included that were unique to each questionnaire. The proposed composite questionnaire is of similar size as the original questionnaires and retains questions that are unique to each other while eliminating questions that are redundant and exhibit bias.
Evidence for reduced dentate gyrus and fimbria volume in bipolar II disorder
Authors: Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Westlye Lars T , Bøen Erlend , Hol Per K , Andersson Stein , Andreassen Ole A , Boye Birgitte , Malt Ulrik F 
Published: January 2013

Objectives:  Dentate gyrus (DG)‐dependent inhibition of the stress response might play an important role in mood disorders. During stress, hippocampal projections traversing the fimbria, a white matter bundle on the hippocampal surface, inhibit the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of the present study was to measure the volumes of the DG–cornu ammonis 4 (DG–CA4) and fimbria in patients with bipolar II disorder (BD‐II) and healthy controls using a recently developed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based technique.Methods:  Thirty‐seven individuals with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of BD‐II and 42 healthy controls underwent 3‐Tesla MRI. Hippocampal subfield volumes were estimated using a novel segmentation algorithm implemented in FreeSurfer.Results:  In patients with BD‐II there was a significant reduction in the volume of the left [analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), F = 7.84, p = 0.006] and total (left + right) (F = 4.01, p = 0.047) DG–CA4 and left (F = 4.38, p = 0.040) and total (F = 4.15, p = 0.045) fimbria compared to healthy controls. Explorative analyses indicated a smaller left CA2–3 volume in subjects with BD‐II compared to healthy controls, and a reduced left fimbria volume in unmedicated patients compared to medicated patients and controls.Conclusions:  Our results provide evidence for the involvement of the DG and fimbria in BD‐II. Longitudinal studies of the DG and fimbria with assessments of the HPA axis in BD‐II are warranted.
Evaluation of in vivo T cell kinetics: use of heavy isotope labelling in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bollyky J B , Long S A , Fitch M , Bollyky P L , Rieck M , Rogers R , Samuels P L , Sanda S , Buckner J H , Hellerstein M K , Greenbaum C J 
Published: January 2013

Summary
CD4+ memory cell development is dependent upon T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength, antigen dose and the cytokine milieu, all of which are altered in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We hypothesized that CD4+ T cell turnover would be greater in type 1 diabetes subjects compared to controls. In vitro studies of T cell function are unable to evaluate dynamic aspects of immune cell homoeostasis. Therefore, we used deuterium oxide (2H2O) to assess in vivo turnover of CD4+ T cell subsets in T1D (n = 10) and control subjects (n = 10). Serial samples of naive, memory and regulatory (Treg) CD4+ T cell subsets were collected and enrichment of deoxyribose was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Quantification of T cell turnover was performed using mathematical models to estimate fractional enrichment (f, n = 20), turnover rate (k, n = 20), proliferation (p, n = 10) and disappearance (d*, n = 10). Although turnover of Tregs was greater than memory and naive cells in both controls and T1D subjects, no differences were seen between T1D and controls in Treg or naive kinetics. However, turnover of CD4+ memory T cells was faster in those with T1D compared to control subjects. Measurement and modelling of incorporated deuterium is useful for evaluating the in vivo kinetics of immune cells in T1D and could be incorporated into studies of the natural history of disease or clinical trials designed to alter the disease course. The enhanced CD4+ memory T cell turnover in T1D may be important in understanding the pathophysiology and potential treatments of autoimmune diabetes.
Perceptual Metrics for Static and Dynamic Triangle Meshes
Authors: Corsini M. , Larabi M. C. , Lavoué G. , Petřík O. , Váša L. , Wang K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAlmost all mesh processing procedures cause some more or less visible changes in the appearance of objects represented by polygonal meshes. In many cases, such as mesh watermarking, simplification or lossy compression, the objective is to make the change in appearance negligible, or as small as possible, given some other constraints. Measuring the amount of distortion requires taking into account the final purpose of the data. In many applications, the final consumer of the data is a human observer, and therefore the perceptibility of the introduced appearance change by a human observer should be the criterion that is taken into account when designing and configuring the processing algorithms. In this review, we discuss the existing comparison metrics for static and dynamic (animated) triangle meshes. We describe the concepts used in perception‐oriented metrics used for 2D image comparison, and we show how these concepts are employed in existing 3D mesh metrics. We describe the character of subjective data used for evaluation of mesh metrics and provide comparison results identifying the advantages and drawbacks of each method. Finally, we also discuss employing the perception‐correlated metrics in perception‐oriented mesh processing algorithms.
Efficacy of LIFT for recurrent anal fistula
Authors: Lehmann J.‐P. , Graf W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimLigation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a novel sphincter‐preserving technique for anal fistula. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the results in patients with a recurrent fistula.MethodSeventeen patients [nine men; median age 49 (range, 30–76) years] with a recurrent trans‐sphincteric fistula were treated with a LIFT procedure between June 2008 and February 2011. All were followed prospectively for a median of 16 (range, 5–27) weeks with clinical examination. Fifteen followed for 13.5 (range, 8–26) months by clinical examination also had three‐dimensional (3D) anal ultrasound.ResultsThe duration of the procedure was 35 (range, 18–70) min. One patient developed a small local haematoma and one had a subcutaneous infection, but otherwise there was no morbidity. At follow up, 11 (65%) patients had a successful closure, two (12%) had a remaining sinus and four (23%) had a persistent fistula. The incidence of persistent or recurrent fistulae at 13.5 months was six (40%) of 15 patients. No de novo faecal incontinence was reported.ConclusionLIFT is a safe procedure for patients with recurrent anal fistula, with healing at short‐term and medium‐term follow‐up comparable with or superior to that of other sphincter‐preserving techniques. Larger studies with a longer follow up are needed to define the ultimate role of LIFT in patients with recurrence.
Clinical variants of lichen planus
Authors: Wagner Gunnar , Rose Christian , Sachse Michael Max 
Published: January 2013

SummaryLichen planus is characterized by lichenoid, polygonal papules with fine white lines, called Wickham striae. Lesions most commonly occur on the limbs and on the dorsal aspect of the trunk. At the same time often leukoplakia of mucous membranes as well as nail disorders are seen.There are numerous variants of lichen planus which can be distinguished from the classical form on the basis of morphology and distribution of the lesions. The typical primary lesion of lichen planus may be replaced by other forms, such as patches, hyperkeratoses, ulcerations, or bullous lesions. Moreover, distribution patterns of these lesions may vary and include erythrodermic, inverse or linear arrangements. In contrast to these numerous clinical features, histologic findings remain characteristic in the variants, so that the diagnosis can be made securely. Differential diagnoses of lichen planus include diverse dermatoses such as bullous pemphigoid or paronychia.
Population response to information on reversibility of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Steven S. , Lim E. L. , Taylor R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsFollowing publication of the Counterpoint Study (on the reversibility of Type 2 diabetes using a very low energy diet), the extent of public interest prompted the authors to make available, on a website, general information about reversing diabetes. Shortly thereafter, individuals began to feed back their personal experiences of attempting to reverse their diabetes. We have collated this information on the effects of energy restriction in motivated individuals with Type 2 diabetes that has been achieved outside a research setting.MethodsEmails, letters and telephone communications received between July 2011 and September 2012 were evaluated (n = 77: 66 men, 11 women). Median diabetes duration was 5.5 years (3 months–28 years). Reversal of diabetes was defined as achieving fasting capillary blood glucose < 6.1 mmol/l and/or, if available, HbA1c less than 43 mmol/mol (6.1%) off treatment.ResultsSelf‐reported weight fell from 96.7 ± 17.5 kg at baseline to 81.9 ± 14.8 kg after weight loss (P < 0.001). Self‐reported fasting blood glucose levels fell from 8.3 mmol/l (5.9–33.0) to 5.5 mmol/l (4.0–10.0) after the weight loss period (P < 0.001). Diabetes reversal was considered to have occurred in 61% of the population. Reversal of diabetes was observed in 80, 63 and 53% of those with > 20, 10–20 and < 10 kg weight loss, respectively. There was a significant correlation between degree of weight loss and reported fasting glucose levels (Rs –0.38, P = 0.006). Reversal rates according to diabetes duration were: short (< 4 years) = 73%, medium (4–8 years) = 56% and long (> 8 years) = 43%.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that intentional weight loss achieved at home by health‐motivated individuals can reverse Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes reversal should be a goal in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
Sfrp5 correlates with insulin resistance and oxidative stress
Authors: Carstensen Maren , Herder Christian , Kempf Kerstin , Erlund Iris , Martin Stephan , Koenig Wolfgang , Sundvall Jouko , Bidel Siamak , Kuha Suvi , Roden Michael , Tuomilehto Jaakko 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundSecreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (Sfrp5) has been described as novel adipokine in mice with insulin‐sensitising and anti‐inflammatory properties similar to adiponectin. The aim of this study was to compare serum concentrations and determinants of Sfrp5, its pro‐inflammatory antagonist wingless‐type MMTV integration site family member (Wnt)5a and adiponectin in humans and their regulation by coffee.Material and methodsSerum concentrations of Sfrp5, Wnt5a and adiponectin were measured in 47 individuals who participated in a coffee intervention study. Associations with demographic, metabolic and immunological variables and regulation of serum levels by different amounts of daily coffee intake were analysed.ResultsAt baseline, fasting serum Sfrp5 levels ranged between 96 and 4056 ng/mL. Sfrp5 was directly correlated with a surrogate of insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance/HOMA‐IR; r = 0·32, P < 0·05) and with the oxidative stress markers 8‐isoprostane (r = 0·44, P < 0·01) and nitrotyrosine (r = 0·52, P < 0·001). Adiponectin showed inverse correlations with several indices of insulin resistance (e.g. HOMA‐IR, Stumvoll index; all P < 0·05) and a direct correlation with the anti‐atherogenic apolipoprotein A‐I (r = 0·56, P < 0·001). Coffee did not affect serum concentrations of Sfrp5. Serum Wnt5a concentrations were below the detection limit (0·02 ng/mL) in 81% of the study participants.ConclusionsIn contrast to obese mouse models, serum Sfrp5 was directly related to HOMA‐IR and oxidative stress in humans, but not with apolipoproteins, and thus, associations differed from those found for circulating adiponectin. These differences between Sfrp5 and adiponectin might be explained by differences in the investigated species.
Silver eel (Anguilla anguilla) population dynamics and production in the River Shannon, Ireland
Authors: MacNamara Ruairí , McCarthy T. Kieran 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is in decline throughout its distribution and accurate regional information, particularly on the silver eel life‐stage, is an essential component of stock recovery plans. Therefore, silver eel population dynamics and production were investigated on the Irish River Shannon. Size frequency analysis during the annual seaward migration showed that between 2008 and 2011, seasonal trends in both sex ratio and female size occurred. Catch analysis and mark‐recapture experiments were undertaken during the same period to determine silver eel production. Due to extreme discharge in 2009, no catch data was available for 17 nights, and a novel protocol was developed using a Dual Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) to quantify silver eel migration. In 2008, silver eel production was estimated at 57.3 t (1.35 kg·ha−1), but an additional 18.3 t of potential migrants were estimated to have been removed by the summer yellow eel fishery. In 2009, following closure of the yellow eel fishery, silver eel production increased to 68.6 t (1.62 kg·ha−1), before declining to 62.7 t (1.47 kg·ha−1) in 2010 and 61.6 t (1.45 kg·ha−1) in 2011. Modelling, based on long‐term stocking data (1959–2011) and retrospectively estimated silver eel production (1992–2007) suggests that despite commercial fishery closure on the river, the decline in River Shannon silver eel production will continue for at least the coming decade.
Timing of brown trout spawning in Alpine rivers with special consideration of egg burial depth
Authors: Riedl Christina , Peter Armin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTiming of spawning, habitat use and egg burial depths of brown trout were studied in seven Swiss (alpine and prealpine) rivers, which differed in size, altitude and flow regime. In general, we observed brown trout spawning activity between the end of October and the beginning of January. The spawning duration differed significantly, however, between rivers, ranging from 28 to 72 days. Analysis of environmental parameters for their influence on spawning activity revealed mean water temperature and altitude as the most explanatory variables. Detailed investigation of redd characteristics based on water velocity, water depth and substrate size clearly showed differences between positions on the redd. Brown trout in Alpine rivers preferred to use velocities of 30–40 cm·s−1, water depths of 10–20 cm and substrates of 16–32 mm for spawning. It has to be noted, however, that recorded values cover almost the whole range of data on spawning habitats that has been reported in literature so far. A special focus of this study was on egg burial depths, which were surprisingly not found to differ significantly between the rivers despite their different flow regimes. Recorded egg burial depths were, however, found to be distinctly lower (mean burial depth: 3.8 cm) than reported by almost any study so far. We see this observation of low burial depths in Alpine rivers as useful in the context of scouring effects, especially when evaluating the influence of scouring on fish populations.
NIETZSCHE'S ‘THIER MIT ROTHEN BACKEN’: THE BIRTH OF CULTURE OUT OF THE SPIRIT OF SHAME
Authors: Speirs Ronald 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe article explores the topic of shame in Nietzsche with particular reference to the role it played in his conception of culture from Die Geburt der Tragödie onwards. It argues that two elements were central to his thinking about these questions throughout. One was the concept of the adyton, originally an element in religious practice, but extended by Nietzsche into other fields. The other was the dialectical principle of opposing forces.Der Aufsatz untersucht das Thema der Scham bei Nietzsche unter besonderer Berücksichtigung ihrer kulturprägenden Rolle sowohl in Die Geburt der Tragödie als auch in seinen späteren Überlegungen zur Erneuerung der Kultur in der Moderne. Dabei werden zwei Momente hervorgehoben. Das eine ist der über das Gebiet der Religion hinausgehende Begriff des adyton. Das andere ist das durchgehend eingesetzte dialektische Prinzip entgegengesetzter Kräfte.
Changes in liver gluconeogenesis during the development of Walker‐256 tumour in rats
Authors: Moreira Carolina Campos Lima , Cassolla Priscila , Dornellas Ana Paula Segantini , de Morais Hely , de Souza Camila Oliveira , Borba‐Murad Glaucia Regina , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa , de Souza Helenir Medri 
Published: January 2013

SummaryFew studies have investigated liver gluconeogenesis in cancer and there is no agreement as to whether the activity of this pathway is increased or decreased in this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate gluconeogenesis from alanine, pyruvate and glycerol, and related metabolic parameters in perfused liver from Walker‐256 tumour‐bearing rats on days 5 (WK5 group), 8 (WK8 group) and 12 (WK12 group) of tumour development. There was reduction (P < 0.05) of liver glucose production from alanine and pyruvate in WK5, WK8 and WK12 groups, which was accompanied by a decrease (P < 0.05) in oxygen consumption. Moreover, there was higher (P < 0.05) pyruvate and lactate production from alanine in the WK5 group and a marked reduction (P < 0.05) of pyruvate and urea production from alanine in the WK12 group. In addition, liver glucose production and oxygen consumption from glycerol were not reduced in WK5, WK8 and WK12 groups. Thus the, the results show inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis from alanine and pyruvate, but not from glycerol, on days 5, 8 and 12 of Walker‐256 tumour development, which can be attributed to the metabolic step in which the substrate enters the gluconeogenic pathway.
Lymphangiogenesis and Prognostic Significance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C in Gastro‐oesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xie Liang‐Xi , Zhai Tian‐Tian , Yang Li‐Ping , Yang Eleanor , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Chen Jiong‐Yu , Zhang Hao 
Published: January 2013

SummaryVascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) is a crucial regulator of the development of lymphatic vessels and is involved in the lymph node metastasis of cancer. The levels of VEGF‐C expression and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in 128 gastro‐oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJA) tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and analysed for their association with clinicopathological features and disease‐free survival. We found that 75.0% of tumour samples displayed strong immunoreactivity to VEGF‐C. The levels of VEGF‐C expression in the tumour tissues were associated with the stages of the clinical tumours and the lymph node metastasis status, but not with the age, gender and the size and type of tumours in the cohort. Similarly, LVD, as evaluated by anti‐D2‐40 staining, was also associated with the clinical stages of GEJA. The values of LVD were positively correlated with the levels of VEGF‐C expression in these samples (r = 0.3760, P = 0.0001). High levels of VEGF‐C expression and high values of LVD were associated with shorter periods of disease‐free survival (DFS) in patients with GEJA (P < 0.001). In addition, GEJA at N1 and N2 stages, at T4 stage, chemotherapy after surgery, high levels of VEGF‐C expression and lower marginal resection were independent factors for the prognosis of DFS in patients with GEJA. Our data indicate that VEGF‐C may promote the lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis of GEJA and that VEGF‐C may be a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis and a prognostic factor of the survival of patients with GEJA.
The transcription factor Fli‐1 regulates monocyte, macrophage and dendritic cell development in mice
Authors: Suzuki Eiji , Williams Sarah , Sato Shuzo , Gilkeson Gary , Watson Dennis K. , Zhang Xian K. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryFli‐1 belongs to the Ets transcription factor family and is expressed in haematopoietic cells, including most of the cells that are active in immunity. The mononuclear phagocytes, i.e. monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, originate in haematopoietic stem cells and play an important role in immunity. To assess the role of Fli‐1 in mononuclear phagocyte development in vivo, we generated mice that express a truncated Fli‐1 protein, lacking the C‐terminal transcriptional activation domain (Fli‐1ΔCTA). Fli‐1ΔCTA/ΔCTA mice had significantly increased populations of haematopoietic stem cells and common dendritic cell precursors in bone marrow compared with wild‐type littermates. Significantly increased classical dendritic cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and macrophage populations were found in spleens from Fli‐1∆CTA/∆CTA mice compared with wild‐type littermates. Fli‐1ΔCTA/ΔCTA mice also had increased pre‐classical dendritic cell and monocyte populations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, bone marrow reconstitution studies demonstrated that expression of Fli‐1 in both haematopoietic cells and stromal cells affected mononuclear phagocyte development in mice. Expression of Fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), a haematopoietic growth factor, in multipotent progenitors was statistically significantly increased from Fli‐1∆CTA/∆CTA mice compared with wild‐type littermates. Fli‐1 protein binds directly to the promoter region of the Flt3L gene. Hence, Fli‐1 plays an important role in the mononuclear phagocyte development, and the C‐terminal transcriptional activation domain of Fli‐1 negatively modulates mononuclear phagocyte development.
The effectiveness of socially sustainable sourcing mechanisms: Assessing the prospects of a new form of joint regulation
Authors: Wright Chris F. , Brown William 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe traditional mechanisms for improving and protecting labour standards in advanced economies are failing. In Britain, the effectiveness of collective bargaining has diminished substantially over the past quarter century. Legally enforceable minimum labour standards have been an inadequate substitute. A new form of ‘joint regulation’ is emerging that may be better attuned to the contemporary structure of product market competition. It involves employers and unions coordinating action on labour standards across the supply chains of firms that contribute to the production of a particular good or service. This article explores the circumstances in which these ‘socially sustainable sourcing’ mechanisms develop and examines their impact on labour standards, by means of two case studies.