bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overweight increases risk of first trimester hypothyroxinaemia in iodine‐deficient pregnant women
Authors: Gowachirapant Sueppong , Melse‐Boonstra Alida , Winichagoon Pattanee , Zimmermann Michael B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHypothyroxinaemia early in pregnancy may impair fetal brain development. Increased body weight has been associated with low thyroxine concentrations in non‐pregnant women. In pregnant women, morbid maternal obesity is a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction. But whether lesser degrees of overweight that are much more common could be a risk factor for hypothyroxinaemia in pregnancy is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate if overweight increases risk for thyroid dysfunction, and specifically hypothyroxinaemia, in iodine‐deficient pregnant women. We performed a cross‐sectional study at first hospital visit among healthy Thai pregnant women. We measured weight and height, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum thyroid hormones and thyroglobulin. Pre‐pregnancy weight and relevant dietary factors were determined by questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) was used to classify weight status. Among 514 women (mean gestational age, 11 weeks) with a median UIC of 111 μg dL–1, indicating mild iodine deficiency, 12% had low free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations: 3% had overt hypothyroidism; 7% had subclinical hypothyroidism; and 8% had isolated hypothyroxinaemia. Based on pre‐pregnancy BMI, 26% of women were overweight or obese. In a multiple regression model, BMI was a negative predictor of fT4 (β = −0.20, P < 0.001). Compared to normal weight women, the prevalence ratio (95% CI) of a low fT4 in overweight women was 3.64 (2.08–6.37) (P < 0.01). Iodine‐deficient pregnant Thai women who are overweight have a 3.6‐fold higher risk of hypothyroxinaemia in the first trimester compared to normal weight women. Targeted screening should consider overweight a potential risk factor for thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women in iodine‐deficient areas.
Birth, death and horizontal transfer of the fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster during the evolutionary diversification of Fusarium
Authors: Proctor Robert H. , Van Hove François , Susca Antonia , Stea Gaetano , Busman Mark , van der Lee Theo , Waalwijk Cees , Moretti Antonio , Ward Todd J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryFumonisins are a family of carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) and rare strains of Fusarium oxysporum. In Fusarium, fumonisin biosynthetic genes (FUM) are clustered, and the cluster is uniform in gene organization. Here, sequence analyses indicated that the cluster exists in five different genomic contexts, defining five cluster types. In FUM gene genealogies, evolutionary relationships between fusaria with different cluster types were largely incongruent with species relationships inferred from primary‐metabolism (PM) gene genealogies, and FUM cluster types are not trans‐specific. In addition, synonymous site divergence analyses indicated that three FUM cluster types predate diversification of FFSC. The data are not consistent with balancing selection or interspecific hybridization, but they are consistent with two competing hypotheses: (i) multiple horizontal transfers of the cluster from unknown donors to FFSC recipients and (ii) cluster duplication and loss (birth and death). Furthermore, low levels of FUM gene divergence in F. bulbicola, an FFSC species, and F. oxysporum provide evidence for horizontal transfer of the cluster from the former, or a closely related species, to the latter. Thus, uniform gene organization within the FUM cluster belies a complex evolutionary history that has not always paralleled the evolution of Fusarium.
Pathophysiology of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease: a role for mucosa integrity?
Authors: Farré R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundGastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very prevalent and has a high burden on health security system costs. Nevertheless, pathophysiology is complex and not well‐understood. Several mechanisms have been proposed: decreased salivation, impaired esophageal clearance, decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure resting tone, presence of hiatal hernia, increased number of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), increased acid, and pepsin secretion, pyloric incompetence provoking duodeno‐gastro‐esophageal reflux of bile acids and trypsin. Independent of the relevance of each mechanism, the ultimate phenomenon is that mucosal epithelium is exposed for a longer time to agents as acid and pepsin or is in contact to luminal agents not commonly present in gastric refluxate as trypsin or bile acids. This leads to a visible damage of the epithelium (erosive esophagitis ‐EE) or impairing mucosal integrity without any sign of macroscopic alteration as occurs in non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Luminal factors are not the only responsible for such impairment; more recent data indicate that endogenous factors may also play a role.PurposeThis review will update the most recent findings on the putative pathophysiological mechanisms and specially will focus on the role of esophageal mucosal integrity in GERD. Methodologies used for the evaluation of mucosal integrity, its relevance in EE and NERD, its involvement in symptoms perception and the effect of luminal and endogenous factors will be discussed.
Can exploiting natural genetic variation in leaf photosynthesis contribute to increasing rice productivity? A simulation analysis
Authors: GU JUNFEI , YIN XINYOU , STOMPH TJEERD‐JAN , STRUIK PAUL C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRice productivity can be limited by available photosynthetic assimilates from leaves. However, the lack of significant correlation between crop yield and leaf photosynthetic rate (A) is noted frequently. Engineering for improved leaf photosynthesis has been argued to yield little increase in crop productivity because of complicated constraints and feedback mechanisms when moving up from leaf to crop level. Here we examined the extent to which natural genetic variation in A can contribute to increasing rice productivity. Using the mechanistic model GECROS, we analysed the impact of genetic variation in A on crop biomass production, based on the quantitative trait loci for various photosynthetic components within a rice introgression line population. We showed that genetic variation in A of 25% can be scaled up equally to crop level, resulting in an increase in biomass of 22–29% across different locations and years. This was probably because the genetic variation in A resulted not only from Rubisco (ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase)‐limited photosynthesis but also from electron transport‐limited photosynthesis; as a result, photosynthetic rates could be improved for both light‐saturated and light‐limited leaves in the canopy. Rice productivity could be significantly improved by mining the natural variation in existing germ‐plasm, especially the variation in parameters determining light‐limited photosynthesis.
Psoriasis First Presenting Around an Enteral Feeding Tube in Three Pediatric Patients: An Important Consideration for Timely Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Zitelli Kristine B. , Lucky Anne W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPediatric dermatologists may care for patients with percutaneous enteral feeding tubes. Although ostomy complications such as allergic contact and irritant dermatitis are common, psoriasis may be misdiagnosed. We report three novel cases of childhood psoriasis first presenting around an enteral feeding tube site. Localized psoriasis is an important clinical consideration in children with ostomy site eruptions to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management.
Off‐label and unlicensed drug use among neonatal intensive care units in Southern Italy
Authors: Laforgia Nicola , Nuccio Melissa Maria , Schettini Federico , Dell'Aera Marisa , Gasbarro Anna Rita , Dell'Erba Alessandro , Solarino Biagio 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundMany drugs used for neonates are unlicensed or off‐label. An increased risk of medication errors and unexpected adverse drug reactions is associated with their use. This risk is even higher in preterm newborns, because of their physiological immaturity and the exposure to many different medicines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of unlicensed or off‐label drugs in eight tertiary‐level neonatal intensive care units (NICU) from two different southern Italian regions.MethodsAll drugs prescribed to newborns admitted to each NICU, during 1 month of observation, were recorded and classified as licensed, unlicensed or off‐label, according, respectively, first, to their license status and, then, their indications, dose, treatment route, and duration of treatment specified in each specific marketing authorization.ResultsA total of 126 newborns were treated with at least one drug during the observation period. A total of 483 prescriptions referred to 87 different drugs, classified as licensed, unlicensed or off‐label. Each newborn was exposed to three (median) different drugs; 88.6% were licensed and 11.4% unlicensed (range, according to different NICU, 1.9–26.7%). Among licensed drugs, 37.4% were used as off‐label (range, 27.3–53.4%).ConclusionsThe use of unlicensed or off‐label drugs use is common practice in NICU, with wide variation in local policies and newborn characteristics. Well‐designed and ‐conducted pharmaceutical studies in newborns are needed to increase the number of licensed drugs, thereby reducing any risk for patients due to over‐ or under‐treatment, and also legal issues for clinicians.
Incidence and index of severity of hemolytic uremic syndrome in a 26 year period in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko , Suyama Kazuhide , Maeda Ryo , Yugeta Eichi , Takano Kei , Suzuki Shigeo , Sakuma Hiroko , Nemoto Kenji , Sato Tomoko , Nagasawa Katsutoshi , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere have been a number of reports on large outbreaks of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), but there have been no long‐term studies of sporadic HUS in Japan. This study therefore investigated the epidemiology and prognosis of HUS in Fukushima Prefecture over a 26 year period.MethodsThe medical records of 26 patients with HUS between 1987 and 2012 were collected. These children were divided into two groups: those with HUS following an episode of gastroenteritis, often with bloody diarrhea (D + HUS; n = 24) and those with HUS not associated with prodromal diarrhea (D–HUS; n = 2). The D + HUS group was further subdivided into group A (11 patients requiring dialysis) and group B (13 patients not requiring dialysis). The epidemiological and clinical data, as well as prognosis, were retrospectively investigated for each group.ResultsApproximately 90% of HUS patients belonged to the D + HUS group. In this group, the mean number of patients per year from 1987 to 1999, and from 2000 to 2012 was 0.92 ± 0.95, and 1.08 ± 0.86, respectively. On admission, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and serum fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) levels in group A were all higher than in group B. Serum albumin level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in group A were lower than in group B. At 6 months after the onset of HUS in the D + HUS group, renal function was normal.ConclusionsThe frequency of HUS was constant from 1987 to 2012 in Fukushima. and serum LDH, ALT, BUN, creatinine, and FDP levels as well as eGFR might be risk factors for dialysis in D + HUS children.
Use of Rome II versus Rome III criteria for diagnosis of functional constipation in young children
Authors: Osatakul Seksit , Puetpaiboon Areeruk 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere has been no study to evaluate the use of the Rome III criteria for diagnosis of constipation in the unselected young pediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the use of the Rome II and Rome III criteria for diagnosis of constipation in a group of unselected young Thai children.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted in 3010 healthy children aged 4 months–5 years who attended a well‐baby clinic. Data concerning bowel habits and behavioral components of defecation of the children were obtained by interviewing the parents. Presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum of children with possible constipation was evaluated by abdominal palpation.ResultsSeventy‐one children (2.4%) were found to have constipation, based on at least one of the two sets of criteria, at the time of interview. The prevalence of constipation as defined according to the Rome II and Rome III criteria for functional constipation (FC) was 1.9% and 1.6%, respectively. The majority of constipated children (47.9%) met the diagnostic criteria of both the Rome II and Rome III for FC, followed by the Rome II criteria for FC alone (32.4%) and the Rome III criteria for FC alone (18.3%). Twenty‐one children (0.7%) whose parents reported defecation difficulties did not fulfill any diagnostic criteria for constipation.ConclusionsThe prevalence of FC in young Thai children is low. For unselected young children, the Rome II criteria for FC are still appropriate for diagnosis of FC.
One‐Way anova for Functional Data via Globalizing the Pointwise F‐test
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Ting , Liang Xuehua 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we propose and study a new global test, namely, GPF test, for the one‐way anova problem for functional data, obtained via globalizing the usual pointwise F‐test. The asymptotic random expressions of the test statistic are derived, and its asymptotic power is investigated. The GPF test is shown to be root‐n consistent. It is much less computationally intensive than a parametric bootstrap test proposed in the literature for the one‐way anova for functional data. Via some simulation studies, it is found that in terms of size‐controlling and power, the GPF test is comparable with two existing tests adopted for the one‐way anova problem for functional data. A real data example illustrates the GPF test.
Weakly decomposable regularization penalties and structured sparsity
Authors: van de Geer Sara 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIt has been shown in literature that the Lasso estimator, orℓ1‐penalized least squares estimator, enjoys good oracle properties. This paper examines which special properties of theℓ1‐penalty allow for sharp oracle results, and then extends the situation to general norm‐based penalties that satisfy a weak decomposability condition.
Practical dosing of praziquantel for schistosomiasis in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Olliaro Piero L. , Vaillant Michel , Hayes Daniel J. , Montresor Antonio , Chitsulo Lester 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveSchistosomiasis is known to occur in preschool‐aged children, but achieving accurate dosing of praziquantel in its current form is challenging. While waiting for a paediatric formulation, there is a need to develop a means for using the available products to treat this age group. Current 600‐mg tablets are differently scored to give units of 150 mg (a quarter of a tablet) or 300 mg (half a tablet).MethodsWe examined several dosing schemes to dose accurately (40‐60 mg/kg) children aged 3–72 months (weight range 4–25 kg, based on available weight‐for‐age growth references from sub‐Saharan Africa and Brazil, n = 106,230).ResultsAdequate dosing can be achieved with formulations that can be split into four 150 mg quarters for children weighing 5 kg or more, and with tablets than can be split into two 300 mg halves for children weighing 10 kg or more. Giving ½ tablet for 5–7 kg; ¾ tablet for 8–10 kg; 1 tablet for 11–15 kg; 1 ½ tablet for 16–21 kg; and two tablets for 22–25 kg will have 100% of subjects correctly dosed within the target 40–60 mg/kg range.ConclusionsFormulations that can be divided into four parts (to give 150 mg increments) are preferred for children weighing less than 11 kg; the same dosing can be applied with 600 mf praziquantel formulations that can be divided into four quarters or two halves from 11 kg body weight.
Progression of leprosy disability after discharge: is multidrug therapy enough?
Authors: Sales Anna Maria , Campos Dayse Pereira , Hacker Mariana Andrea , da Costa Nery José Augusto , Düppre Nádia Cristina , Rangel Emanuel , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Penna Maria Lucia Fernandes 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the risk factors related to worsening of physical disabilities after treatment discharge among patients with leprosy administered 12 consecutive monthly doses of multidrug therapy (MDT/WHO).MethodsCohort study was carried out at theLeprosyLaboratory inRio deJaneiro,Brazil. We evaluated patients with multibacillary leprosy treated (MDT/WHO) between 1997 and 2007. TheCox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the relationship between the onset of physical disabilities after release from treatment and epidemiological and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe total observation time period for the 368 patients was 1 570 person‐years (PY), averaging 4.3 years per patient. The overall incidence rate of worsening of disability was 6.5/100 PY. Among those who began treatment with no disability, the incidence rate of physical disability was 4.5/100 PY. Among those who started treatment withGrade 1 or 2 disabilities, the incidence rate of deterioration was 10.5/100 PY. The survival analysis evidenced that when disability grade was 1, the risk was 1.61 (95%CI: 1.02–2.56), when disability was 2, the risk was 2.37 (95%CI1.35–4.16), and when the number of skin lesions was 15 or more, anHR = 1.97 (95%CI: 1.07–3.63). Patients with neuritis showed a 65% increased risk of worsening of disability (HR = 1.65 [95%CI: 1.08–2.52]).ConclusionImpairment at diagnosis was the main risk factor for neurological worsening after treatment/MDT. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of reactional episodes remain the main means of preventing physical disabilities.
Cryptococcal antigen prevalence in HIV‐infected Tanzanians: a cross‐sectional study and evaluation of a point‐of‐care lateral flow assay
Authors: Rugemalila Joan , Maro Venance P. , Kapanda Gibson , Ndaro Arnold J. , Jarvis Joseph N. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesCryptococcal antigen (CRAG) screening at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and pre‐emptive antifungal treatment for those testing positive could prevent many cases of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). To investigate whether CRAG screening would be feasible in Tanzania, we conducted a cross‐sectional study measuring CRAG prevalence in ART clinic patients and comparing the novel lateral flow assay (LFA) with the cryptococcal latex agglutination (LA) test.MethodsConsecutive HIV‐infected outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/µL, who were ART naive or had been on ART for <6 months, were screened for CRAG using the LA and LFA kits. For further assay validation, HIV‐infected inpatients with suspected cryptococcal disease were also tested using the LA and LFA kits.ResultsCryptococcal antigen was detected in seven of 218 ART clinic attendees (3%). Six patients (5%) with CD4 cell counts ≤100 cells/µL (n = 124) were CRAG‐positive. Agreement between the LA and LFA test in the 218 outpatients was 100%. Another 101 inpatients were tested for CRAG, of whom 56 (55%) were CRAG‐positive on both the LA and LFA tests. One patient was positive using the LFA test but negative on the LA test. The overall agreement between the two assays was 99.7%, kappa coefficient 0.99 (standard error 0.06, P < 0.001).ConclusionsFive percentage of ART clinic patients with CD4 cell counts ≤100 cells/µL in northern Tanzania had asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenaemia, suggesting that CRAG screening would be worthwhile in the Tanzanian ART programme. The LFA is a reliable, cheap and practical alternative to LA for detection of CRAG.
RACK1 scaffold proteins influence miRNA abundance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Speth Corinna , Willing Eva‐Maria , Rausch Stephanie , Schneeberger Korbinian , Laubinger Sascha 
Published: August 2013

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate plant development by post‐transcriptional regulation of target genes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, DCL1 processes precursors (pri‐miRNAs) to miRNA duplexes, which associate with AGO1. Additional proteins act in concert with DCL1 (e.g. HYL1 and SERRATE) or AGO1 to facilitate efficient and precise pri‐miRNA processing and miRNA loading, respectively. In this study, we show that the accumulation of plant microRNAs depends on RECEPTOR FOR ACTIVATED C KINASE 1 (RACK1), a scaffold protein that is found in all higher eukaryotes. miRNA levels are reduced in rack1 mutants, and our data suggest that RACK1 affects the microRNA pathway via several distinct mechanisms involving direct interactions with known microRNA factors: RACK1 ensures the accumulation and processing of some pri‐miRNAs, directly interacts with SERRATE and is part of an AGO1 complex. As a result, mutations in RACK1 lead to over‐accumulation of miRNA target mRNAs, which are important for ABA responses and phyllotaxy, for example. In conclusion, our study identified complex functioning of RACK1 proteins in the Arabidopsis miRNA pathway; these proteins are important for miRNA production and therefore plant development.
Pleiotropic effect of sigE over‐expression on cell morphology, photosynthesis and hydrogen production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Osanai Takashi , Kuwahara Ayuko , Iijima Hiroko , Toyooka Kiminori , Sato Mayuko , Tanaka Kan , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Saito Kazuki , Hirai Masami Yokota 
Published: August 2013

SummaryOver‐expression of sigE, a gene encoding an RNA polymerase sigma factor in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, is known to activate sugar catabolism and bioplastic production. In this study, we investigated the effects of sigE over‐expression on cell morphology, photosynthesis and hydrogen production in this cyanobacterium. Transmission electron and scanning probe microscopic analyses revealed that sigE over‐expression increased the cell size, possibly as a result of aberrant cell division. Over‐expression of sigE reduced respiration and photosynthesis activities via changes in gene expression and chlorophyll fluorescence. Hydrogen production under micro‐oxic conditions is enhanced in sigE over‐expressing cells. Despite these pleiotropic phenotypes, the sigE over‐expressing strain showed normal cell viability under both nitrogen‐replete and nitrogen‐depleted conditions. These results provide insights into the inter‐relationship among metabolism, cell morphology, photosynthesis and hydrogen production in this unicellular cyanobacterium.