bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid hormone changes following denosumab treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Makras Polyzois , Polyzos Stergios A. , Papatheodorou Athanasios , Kokkoris Panagiotis , Chatzifotiadis Daniel , Anastasilakis Athanasios D. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveDenosumab is a new potent antiresorptive treatment of osteoporosis that can potentially induce a compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. We aimed to evaluate the alteration of PTH 1 and 6 months after denosumab's administration with different regimens of calcium and vitamin D (Ca/D) supplementation.DesignProspective, multicenter, study in a relatively small, heterogeneous sample of postmenopausal women followed for 6 months.PatientsForty seven postmenopausal women followed in 2 outpatient clinics, requiring onset or continuation of osteoporosis treatment. We administered 1 g calcium carbonate and 800 IU cholecalciferol daily for 6 months (Group A) or the double dose for the first month followed by the 1 g/800 IU Ca/D regimen for the next 5 months (Group B).MeasurementsParathyroid hormone (PTH) alterations between and within groups, and their associations with serum Ca and bone markers.ResultsParathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher at month 1 and 6 only in Group A; Ca levels were significantly decreased at month 1 and returned to baseline values at month 6 within the same Group. The mean per cent change between month 1 and baseline for PTH [Δ(PTH1‐0)] was significantly higher in Group A than B (63·5% ± 28·2% vs −3·0% ± 4·7%, P = 0·029). Δ(PTH1‐0) was correlated with the reciprocal Δ‐changes of Ca (rs = −0·610; P = 0·002) and collagen type I C‐terminal telopeptide (rs = −0·697; P = 0·003) only in Group A.ConclusionsAn increase in PTH should be expected, at least following the first administration of denosumab in common clinical practice. The effect of this compensatory onsequence in bone metabolism warrants further investigation.
Pregabalin attenuates dysautonomia as well as painful dysesthesia caused by Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kuroda Hiroshi , Fujihara Kazuo , Nakashima Ichiro , Tateyama Maki , Kaneko Kimihiko , Tano Ohito , Kusunoki Susumu , Aoki Masashi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGuillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is frequently accompanied by dysautonomia, which potentially leads to a fatal outcome. Pregabalin binds to the α2δ subunit of voltage‐gated calcium channels and has been used as a drug for neuropathic pain. We present a 47‐year‐old woman who had GBS with severe dysautonomia and painful dysesthesia, in whom pregabalin promptly attenuated both symptoms. After symptoms of respiratory infection lasting a week, she showed mydriatic pupils, ophthalmoparesis, weakness in four limbs with areflexia, cerebellar ataxia and limb dysesthesia. Even after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was started, her neurological symptoms deteriorated; furthermore, she developed severe dysautonomia including intractable hypertension, bradycardia–tachycardia syndrome, paroxysmal facial flushing and paroxysmal nausea. However, promptly after the first dose of pregabalin, both dysautonomia and dysesthesia were attenuated, and her circulatory condition became stable. Thereafter, her neurological symptoms gradually improved. The present case report suggests that pregabalin can be effective in treating dysautonomia, as well as painful dysesthesia in GBS.
Mitomycin C versus 5‐fluorouracil as an adjunctive treatment for trabeculectomy: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: De Fendi Lígia I , Arruda Gustavo V , Scott Ingrid U , Paula Jayter S 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMitomycin C (MMC) and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) are the most frequently utilized adjuvant therapies in trabeculectomy (TRAB), but there is no general consensus as to the direct comparative efficacy and safety of these two adjuvants. In this study, the authors conducted a meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of augmenting TRAB with MMC or 5‐FU. A systematic review with meta‐analysis was conducted and five randomized controlled clinical trials comparing MMC versus 5‐FU as adjunctive therapies were identified, totaling 416 participants. A lower pooled mean IOP and higher complete and qualified success rates were observed in the MMC arm than in the 5‐FU arm. Epithelial corneal defects were the unique complication reported more frequently with 5‐FU compared to MMC treatment. Compared to TRAB with 5‐FU, TRAB with MMC was associated with higher rates of complete and qualified surgical success and was not associated with increased incidences of postoperative complications.
Hospitalization rates of children who are blind
Authors: Crewe Julie M , Lam Geoff , Clark Antony , Spilsbury Katrina , Mukhtar Aqif S , Morlet Nigel , Morgan William H , Crowley Margaret , Semmens James B 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the impact of blindness on hospitalization rates of children.DesignMatched cohort study.ParticipantsChildren confirmed as legally blind (2003–2009), age‐ and gender‐matched to control cohort of normally sighted children from the state register of births.MethodsThe rates and reasons for admission to hospital were compared using hospital morbidity records. The association of blindness with rates of admission and length of stay in hospital, 2003–2010, were estimated using multivariate negative binomial regression models.Main Outcome MeasuresDescriptive statistics, incident rate ratios, and predicted means for hospital separations and length of stay.ResultsFifty‐nine blind and 59 control children had a combined total of 107 separations accounting for 237 bed days in hospital after the index date of legal blindness. The median age at the index date was 8 years. Over 90% of separations and 92% of bed days were incurred by 22 blind children. Blind children had four (95% confidence interval 1.9–9.3) times more hospital separations and stayed in hospital six (95% confidence interval 1.9–17.5) times longer than the control cohort children. There were more than 40 times as many comorbidities recorded by the blind children (n = 201) compared with the control children (n = 5). A third of the blind children were hospitalized for respiratory conditions.ConclusionsChildren who are born or become blind in childhood have more and longer periods in hospital than sighted children likely because of complex comorbid health problems. There was a disproportionate incidence of comorbid respiratory diseases in the blind children.
Applying resource selection functions at multiple scales to prioritize habitat use by the endangered Cross River gorilla
Authors: Sawyer Sarah C. , Brashares Justin S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe critically endangered Cross River gorilla is a patchily distributed taxon for which habitat selection has been modelled only at coarse spatial scales, using remotely sensed landscape data and large‐scale species distribution maps. These coarse‐scale models fail to explain why Cross River gorillas (CRG) display a highly fragmented distribution within what appears to be a large, continuous area of suitable habitat. This study aimed to refine our understanding of CRG habitat use to inform conservation planning both for the subspecies and for other fragmented species of conservation concern.LocationCross River gorillas occur only in a discontinuous distribution in the southern portion of the Cameroon‐Nigeria border region, an area that represents one of Africa's biodiversity hotspots. This study was carried out in the Northern Mone‐Mt. Oko region, part of the Mone/Mbulu forest system located in the Manyu division of the South‐west Province of Cameroon.MethodsWe used resource selection functions to understand habitat use by CRG at multiple scales. Specifically, we employed generalized additive models at the scale of the annual subpopulation range and conditional logistic regression at the scale of individual movements.ResultsCross River gorillas habitat selection is highly scale dependent. Localized measures of habitat quality strongly influenced selection at the subpopulation or landscape scale, while human activity and food availability were the best predictors of selection at finer scales.Main conclusionsUnderstanding why CRG do not occur in seemingly suitable habitat is crucial for designating critical habitat both within and between CRG subpopulations. Our results indicate that conservation planning to maintain critical habitat and connectivity among CRG populations will require an integrative, multi‐scale planning approach incorporating large‐scale landscape characteristics, human use patterns and CRG food availability.
A comparison of health‐related quality of life (health utility) between insulin degludec and insulin glargine: a meta‐analysis of phase 3 trials
Authors: Freemantle N. , Evans M. , Christensen T. , Wolden M. L. , Bjorner J. B. 
Published: March 2013

AimTo evaluate health‐related quality of life (health utility) scores in patients with diabetes receiving insulin degludec (IDeg) or insulin glargine (IGlar).MethodsPatient‐level data from six, randomized, controlled, open‐label, multicentre, confirmatory, treat‐to‐target trials of 26‐ or 52 weeks' duration were pooled in this analysis. The Short Form 36 (SF‐36) version‐2 health questionnaire was completed by patients at baseline and end‐of‐trial. SF‐36 scores for 4001 individual patients were then mapped onto the EuroQol‐5D health utility scale, which has a range from −0.59 (a state worse than death) to 1.00 (perfect health).ResultsIDeg treatment exhibited a significant improvement in health status of 0.005 (CI: 0.0006; 0.009) points compared with IGlar (p < 0.024). Gender, region, trial and age also had a significant influence on estimated utility scores as did baseline utility scores, p < 0.05. Prior to the removal of interaction variables a difference of 0.008 points was observed, p < 0.045. Previous insulin treatment did not have an impact on the final outcome.ConclusionThis study shows that IDeg is associated with a modest, but statistically significant, improvement in health utility compared with IGlar in patients with diabetes.
Memory‐guided saccades in youth‐onset psychosis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: White Tonya , Mous Sabine , Karatekin Canan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimWorking memory deficits have been shown to be present in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Considering the differences in clinical characteristics between these disorders, it was the goal of this study to assess differences in the specific components of working memory in children and adolescents with psychosis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.MethodsChildren and adolescents (age range 8–20 years) with either a non‐affective psychotic disorder (n = 25), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 33) and controls (n = 58) were administered an oculomotor delayed‐response task using both a recall and a control condition. Memory‐guided saccades were measured during delay periods of 2, 8 and 20 s.ResultsAlthough both clinical groups were less accurate than controls, there was no evidence of a disproportionate impairment in recall. In addition, there was no evidence of a delay‐dependent impairment in psychosis; however, there was a delay‐dependent impairment in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder when corrective saccades were included. Speed of information processing was correlated with distance errors in psychosis, suggesting that speed of encoding the stimulus location may have constrained the accuracy of the saccades.ConclusionsOur findings support impairments during encoding in the psychosis group and a delay‐dependent deficit in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group.
Applications of X‐ray computed tomography for examining biophysical interactions and structural development in soil systems: a review
Authors: Helliwell J. R. , Sturrock C. J. , Grayling K. M. , Tracy S. R. , Flavel R. J. , Young I. M. , Whalley W. R. , Mooney S. J. 
Published: March 2013

SummarySoil systems are characterized by the spatial and temporal distribution of organic and mineral particles, water and air within a soil profile. Investigations into the complex interactions between soil constituents have greatly benefited from the advent of non‐invasive techniques for structural analysis. In this paper we present a review of the application of one such technique, X‐ray computed tomography (CT), for studies of undisturbed soil systems, focusing on research during the last 10 years in particular. The ability to undertake three‐dimensional imaging has provided valuable insights regarding the quantitative assessment of soil features, in a way previously unachievable because of the opaque nature of soil. A dynamic approach to the evaluation of soil pore networks, hydro‐physical characteristics and soil faunal behaviour has seen numerous scanning methodologies employed and a diverse range of image analysis protocols used. This has shed light on functional processes across multiple scales whilst also bringing its own challenges. In particular, much work has been carried out to link a soil's porous architecture with hydraulic function, although new technical improvements allowing the characterization of organic matter and the influence of soil biota on structural development are showing great promise. Here we summarize the development of X‐ray CT in soil science, highlight the major issues relating to its use, outline some of the applications for overcoming these challenges and describe the potential of future technological advances for non‐invasive soil characterization through integration with other complementary techniques.
Does habitat disturbance increase infectious disease risk for primates?
Authors: Young Hillary , Griffin Randi H. , Wood Chelsea L. , Nunn Charles L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMany studies have suggested that ecosystem conservation protects human and wildlife populations against infectious disease. We tested this hypothesis using data on primates and their parasites. First, we tested for relationships between species' resilience to human disturbance and their parasite richness, prevalence and immune defences, but found no associations. We then conducted a meta‐analysis of the effects of disturbance on parasite prevalence, which revealed no overall effect, but a positive effect for one of four types of parasites (indirectly transmitted parasites). Finally, we conducted intraspecific analyses of malaria prevalence as a function of mammalian species richness in chimpanzees and gorillas, and an interspecific analysis of geographic overlap and parasite species richness, finding that higher levels of host richness favoured greater parasite risk. These results suggest that anthropogenic effects on disease transmission are complex, and highlight the need to define the conditions under which environmental change will increase or decrease disease transmission.
Interplay between BDF1 and BDF2 and their roles in regulating the yeast salt stress response
Authors: Fu Jiafang , Hou Jin , Liu Liangyu , Chen Lei , Wang Mingpeng , Shen Yu , Zhang Zhaojie , Bao Xiaoming 
Published: March 2013

The homologous genes BDF1 and BDF2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encode bromodomain‐containing transcription factors. Although double deletion of BDF1 and BDF2 is lethal, single deletion does not affect cell viability. The bdf2∆ cells showed normal growth upon salt stress. However, the absence of Bdf1p resulted in a salt‐sensitive phenotype, and the salt sensitivity was suppressed by overexpression of BDF2. In this study, we further demonstrated that BDF2 shows dosage compensation in suppressing the salt sensitivity of bdf1∆. None of the tested domains replaced the function of intact Bdf1p. The 494–626 region in Bdf1p was more important than the other domains for salt resistance. In addition, Bdf1p negatively regulated the expression of BDF2 by binding its promoter at loci −387 to −48. However, Bdf2p did not affect the expression of BDF1. In addition, Bdf1p and its defective functional domain mutants could combine with Bdf2p. This physical interaction increased the salt tolerance of bdf1∆. The mitochondrial dysfunctions caused by BDF1 deletion were restored by overexpression of BDF2 under salt stress conditions.Structured digital abstract
BDF2 physically interacts with BDF1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
BDF2 physically interacts with BDF1 by pull down (View interaction)
Evaluation of terrestrial carbon cycle models for their response to climate variability and to CO2 trends
Authors: Piao Shilong , Sitch Stephen , Ciais Philippe , Friedlingstein Pierre , Peylin Philippe , Wang Xuhui , Ahlström Anders , Anav Alessandro , Canadell Josep G. , Cong Nan , Huntingford Chris , Jung Martin , Levis Sam , Levy Peter E. , Li Junsheng , Lin Xin , Lomas Mark R , Lu Meng , Luo Yiqi , Ma Yuecun , Myneni Ranga B. , Poulter Ben , Sun ZhenZhong , Wang Tao , Viovy Nicolas , Zaehle Soenke , Zeng Ning 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate 10 process‐based terrestrial biosphere models that were used for the IPCC fifth Assessment Report. The simulated gross primary productivity (GPP) is compared with flux‐tower‐based estimates by Jung et al. [Journal of Geophysical Research 116 (2011) G00J07] (JU11). The net primary productivity (NPP) apparent sensitivity to climate variability and atmospheric CO2 trends is diagnosed from each model output, using statistical functions. The temperature sensitivity is compared against ecosystem field warming experiments results. The CO2 sensitivity of NPP is compared to the results from four Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments. The simulated global net biome productivity (NBP) is compared with the residual land sink (RLS) of the global carbon budget from Friedlingstein et al. [Nature Geoscience 3 (2010) 811] (FR10). We found that models produce a higher GPP (133 ± 15 Pg C yr−1) than JU11 (118 ± 6 Pg C yr−1). In response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, modeled NPP increases on average by 16% (5–20%) per 100 ppm, a slightly larger apparent sensitivity of NPP to CO2 than that measured at the FACE experiment locations (13% per 100 ppm). Global NBP differs markedly among individual models, although the mean value of 2.0 ± 0.8 Pg C yr−1 is remarkably close to the mean value of RLS (2.1 ± 1.2 Pg C yr−1). The interannual variability in modeled NBP is significantly correlated with that of RLS for the period 1980–2009. Both model‐to‐model and interannual variation in model GPP is larger than that in model NBP due to the strong coupling causing a positive correlation between ecosystem respiration and GPP in the model. The average linear regression slope of global NBP vs. temperature across the 10 models is −3.0 ± 1.5 Pg C yr−1 °C−1, within the uncertainty of what derived from RLS (−3.9 ± 1.1 Pg C yr−1 °C−1). However, 9 of 10 models overestimate the regression slope of NBP vs. precipitation, compared with the slope of the observed RLS vs. precipitation. With most models lacking processes that control GPP and NBP in addition to CO2 and climate, the agreement between modeled and observation‐based GPP and NBP can be fortuitous. Carbon–nitrogen interactions (only separable in one model) significantly influence the simulated response of carbon cycle to temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration, suggesting that nutrients limitations should be included in the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models.
Population‐based trends in urinary diversion among patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Kim Simon P. , Shah Nilay D. , Weight Christopher J. , Thompson R. Houston , Wang Jeffrey K. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Han Leona C. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Frank Igor , Tollefson Matthew K. , Boorjian Stephen A. 
Published: March 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Variations in the type of urinary diversion exist for patients undergoing radical cystectomy.
Although its use has been increasing from 2001 to 2008, patients who are older, female, and primary insured by Medicaid are less likely to receive continent diversions. Furthermore, patients treated surgically at high‐volume and teaching hospitals are more likely to receive continent diversions.
Objective
To describe the contemporary trends in urinary diversion among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer; and elucidate whether socioeconomic disparities persist in the type of diversion performed in the USA from a population‐based cohort.
Patients and Methods
Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2001 and 2008.
Multivariable regression models were used to identify patient and hospital covariates associated with continent urinary diversion and enumerate predicted probabilities for statistically significant variables over time.
Results
Overall, 55 635 (92%) patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer received incontinent urinary diversion, while 4552 (8%) patients received continent diversion from 2001 to 2008.
Receipt of continent urinary diversion increased from 6.6% in 2001–2002 to 9.4% in 2007–2008 (P < 0.001 for trend).
Patients who were older (odds ratio [OR] 0.93; P < 0.001), female (OR 0.52; P < 0.001) and insured by Medicaid (OR 0.54; P = 0.002) were less likely to receive continent urinary diversion.
However, patients treated at teaching (OR 2.14; P < 0.001) and high‐volume hospitals (OR 2.39; P = 0.04) had higher odds of continent urinary diversion.
Predicted probabilities of continent diversion remained lower for female patients, Medicaid insurance status, and non‐teaching and medium/low‐volume hospitals over time.
Conclusions
In this nationally representative sample of hospitals from 2001 to 2008, the use of continent diversion in RC gradually increased.
Although variations in urinary diversion exist by hospital teaching status, case volume, patient gender and primary health insurance, increased attention in expanding the use of continent diversions may help reduce these disparities for patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer.
The Costs of Keeping Cool for Australians with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Verikios George , Summers Michael P. , Simmons Rex D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHeat intolerance is a significant medical problem affecting people with multiple sclerosis (MS). For people with MS, the costs of running their air conditioners are an additional disease‐related expense that must be met on top of other out‐of‐pocket disease‐related expenses. Using the results of the 2008 Keeping Cool Survey, we estimate the relative economic disadvantage faced by MS households in trying to keep cool. We find that MS households spend around four times more on keeping cool than average Australian households. Sensitivity analysis indicates that our results are robust with respect to all key inputs and parameters.
Offshoring and Wages
Authors: Ahsan Reshad N. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this article, I provide an overview of the growing literature on offshoring and wages. I begin by documenting the recent growth in goods and service offshoring. I then discuss the mechanisms through which offshoring is likely to affect wages and review the empirical literature on the impact of offshoring on both the relative and absolute wage of low‐skilled workers in advanced economies. Lastly, I conclude by providing some thoughts on what governments can do to address the labour market consequences of offshoring.