bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compound muscle action potential of the external anal sphincter
Authors: Nockolds C. L. , Hosker G. L. , Kiff E. S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimPudendal nerve terminal motor latency (PNTML) assesses distal innervation of the external anal sphincter (EAS) but it is insensitive to early nerve damage. We propose to extend the assessment of PNTML to the measurement of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the EAS to understand its progressive denervation.MethodNinety women with faecal incontinence were prospectively examined and compared with 36 asymptomatic women who acted as controls. PNTML was performed bilaterally and the muscle response analysed for CMAP to include amplitude, area and duration. Anorectal manometry was measured by a station‐pull technique using a water‐filled microballoon. spss version 11.5 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsIn asymptomatic women the CMAP on the left side was greater in nulliparous (n = 7) than parous (n = 27, P < 0.05) individuals. There was a positive correlation with maximum squeeze pressure and area on the left side (P < 0.05, r = 0.397). In women with faecal incontinence, CMAP on the left side had a negative correlation with age (n = 75, P < 0.05), there was no correlation with parity or anorectal manometry. Nulliparous asymptomatic women had a greater CMAP (P < 0.05) on the left side than asymptomatic parous women and parous women with faecal incontinence. Right‐side measurements were not conclusive.ConclusionCompound muscle action potential demonstrated progressive denervation with age in women with faecal incontinence but did not reliably identify early signs of denervation in asymptomatic women. The area on the left side related to muscle function in asymptomatic women but not in women with faecal incontinence. CMAP can distinguish between parous women with faecal incontinence and nulliparous asymptomatic women but is not a useful test of function of the EAS.
How to Bootstrap a Human Communication System
Authors: Fay Nicolas , Arbib Michael , Garrod Simon 
Published: June 2013

AbstractHow might a human communication system be bootstrapped in the absence of conventional language? We argue that motivated signs play an important role (i.e., signs that are linked to meaning by structural resemblance or by natural association). An experimental study is then reported in which participants try to communicate a range of pre‐specified items to a partner using repeated non‐linguistic vocalization, repeated gesture, or repeated non‐linguistic vocalization plus gesture (but without using their existing language system). Gesture proved more effective (measured by communication success) and more efficient (measured by the time taken to communicate) than non‐linguistic vocalization across a range of item categories (emotion, object, and action). Combining gesture and vocalization did not improve performance beyond gesture alone. We experimentally demonstrate that gesture is a more effective means of bootstrapping a human communication system. We argue that gesture outperforms non‐linguistic vocalization because it lends itself more naturally to the production of motivated signs.
Everolimus leads to a lower risk of BKV viremia than mycophenolic acid in de novo renal transplantation patients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Moscarelli Luciano , Caroti Leonardo , Antognoli Giulia , Zanazzi Maria , Di Maria Lorenzo , Carta Paolo , Minetti Enrico 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited published data concerning the effects of different immunosuppressive regimens on the development of polyomavirus (BKV) viremia. We examined the risk of developing BKV viremia in kidney transplant recipients receiving everolimus (EVR) or mycophenolic acid (MPA) as maintenance therapy.MethodsWe observationally analyzed 296 patients who underwent renal transplantation at our center between 2005 and 2010: 58 were treated with EVR and low‐dose cyclosporine (LD‐CyA) (group 1) and 238 with MPA and standard‐dose CyA (group 2). All of the patients received induction therapy with basiliximab and maintenance steroids. BKV viremia (a whole‐blood viral load of >850 copies/mL) was measured by means of real‐time polymerase chain reaction at least once a month during a 12‐month follow‐up period.ResultsBKV viremia was detected in 57 patients (19%), five (9%) in group 1 and 52 (22%) in group 2. Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that freedom from BKV viremia was significantly more frequent in group 1. The mean time of onset of BKV viremia was about four months after transplantation in both groups. The median viral load was greater in group 2 (12.5 ± 6.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.8 × 104 copies/mL; p = 0.01). After the onset of BKV viremia, graft function significantly declined in group 2: 11 patients developed polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PVAN) and four presumptive PVAN; nine experienced an acute rejection after the discontinuation of MPA, and 11 (21%) lost their graft. There was no graft loss in group 1.ConclusionThese findings suggest that in comparison with MPA and Cya, an EVR and LD‐CyA regimen lowers the risk of BKV viremia after kidney transplantation and favorably alters outcomes.
Effect of mycophenolate mofetil on hematological side effects incidence in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Sobiak Joanna , Kamińska Jolanta , Głyda Maciej , Duda Grażyna , Chrzanowska Maria 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an immunosuppressant administered after solid organ transplantation, is generally well tolerated; however, it frequently causes hematological toxicity. In this study, we aimed to assess the relation between the pharmacokinetic parameters of MMF metabolites (mycophenolic acid [MPA] and 7‐O‐MPA glucuronide [MPAG]) and the adverse effects on the hematopoietic system in renal transplant recipients. The four‐h pharmacokinetic profiles of MPA and MPAG were determined using the HPLC method for MMF‐treated patients (n = 61) among 106 renal transplant recipients (during the late post‐transplant period) participating in the study. Anemia was more frequently observed in the study group compared with the control group (30.7% vs. 20.0%) and although the difference was insignificant, plasma iron concentrations were significantly higher in patients treated with MMF (32.9 ± 9.4 μmol/L vs. 28.7 ± 9.4 μmol/L; p = 0.032). Iron supplementation was more frequently applied to patients with anemia (48.2%) compared with patients with hemoglobin within the norm (20.3%; p = 0.005). As all MPAG pharmacokinetic parameters correlated negatively with hemoglobin and hematocrit, and MPAG pharmacokinetic parameters were higher in patients with anemia, MPAG may be the predicting factor of MMF side effects. In renal transplant recipients, especially with deteriorated renal function, extensive iron supplementation may be ineffective as anemia was associated with declined renal function and was not caused by low iron concentration.
Normal adiponectin levels in kidney transplant patients with hypertension
Authors: Leibowitz Avshalom , Peleg Edna , Ben‐David Aharon , Sharabi Yehonatan , Kamari Yehuda , Holzman Eliezer , Grossman Ehud 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplant patients are a unique population where despite correction of their kidney function they are still considered to be at high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted from adipocytes, has protective CV properties. Patients with essential hypertension (HTN) have low adiponectin levels that are associated with a high CV risk. The aim of this study was to assess adiponectin levels in hypertensive renal transplant recipients.Materials and methodsFasting blood adiponectin levels were measured in hypertensive kidney transplant patients (n = 18), patients with essential HTN (n = 17) and healthy subjects (n = 14). Patients with diabetes mellitus and renal failure were excluded from the study. Anthropomorphic and metabolic parameters were also measured.ResultsPatients with essential HTN had lower adiponectin levels than healthy controls (6 ± 0.7 μg/mL vs. 11 ± 0.9 μg/mL, p < 0.001), whereas hypertensive kidney transplant patients had adiponectin levels that were similar to adiponectin levels found in normal controls (11 ± 1.1 μg/mL). Adiponectin levels in healthy subjects were inversely correlated with plasma triglycerides (r = −0.876, p < 0.001) and with body weight (r = −0.7, p < 0.001). There was no such a correlation in patients with HTN.ConclusionAdiponectin in hypertensive kidney transplant recipients is not an appropriate CV risk marker as it does not adequately distinguish these patients from normal controls.
The Evolving Localism (and Neoliberalism) of Urban Renewable Energy Projects
Authors: Morris Jason 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper contributes to the development of an anthropological understanding of the emerging political economies of renewable energy in the contemporary United States. It explores efforts to develop place‐based, local systems of renewable energy production and places them in the context of a larger history of the political economy and social construction of U.S. energy systems. Marked by emancipatory discourses of local self‐reliance, decentralization, ecological sustainability, energy security, and community‐scale governance, contemporary renewable energy initiatives bear a strong resemblance to the small‐scale, grassroots energy actions that emerged during the energy crises of the 1970s. Both past and current local renewable energy efforts are also deeply embedded within and subject to contemporary regimes of environmental governance, ecological modernization, and neoliberal responses to ecological crises. Using emerging energy initiatives in Washington, DC as a case study, I discuss three key elements of the political and social construction of contemporary local renewable energy production—ownership, governance, and sustainable urban place‐making—and examine the problematic theme of “localism” that links them.
Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes — observations from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cordua S. , Secher A. L. , Ringholm L. , Damm P. , Mathiesen E. R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsTo explore whether real‐time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery supplementary to hourly self‐monitored plasma glucose in women with Type 1 diabetes reduces the prevalence of neonatal hypoglycaemia.MethodsWomen with Type 1 diabetes participating in a randomized controlled trial on the effect of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring in pregnancy were included in this study. Twenty‐seven of 60 (45%) women in the intervention arm used real‐time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery, supplementary to hourly self‐monitored plasma glucose. Real‐time continuous glucose monitoring glucose data covering the last 8 h prior to delivery were retrospectively evaluated, and maternal hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia were defined as glucose values ≤ 3.9 mmol/l and > 7.0 mmol/l, respectively. Women in the control arm (n = 59) solely used self‐monitored plasma glucose. Neonatal hypoglycaemia was defined as a 2‐h plasma glucose < 2.5 mmol/l.ResultsIn infants of women using real‐time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery, 10 (37%) developed neonatal hypoglycaemia vs. 27 (46%) infants in the control arm (P = 0.45). Among 10 infants with and 17 infants without neonatal hypoglycaemia within the real‐time continuous glucose monitoring arm, median maternal self‐monitored plasma glucose was 6.2 (range 4.2–7.8) vs. 5.6 (3.3–8.5) mmol/l (P = 0.26) during labour and delivery, with maternal hyperglycaemia present in 17 (0–94) vs. 4 (0–46)% of the time (P = 0.02), and birthweight was 4040 (3102–4322) vs. 3500 (1829–4320) g (P = 0.04). Maternal hypoglycaemia up to delivery was relatively rare.ConclusionsThe prevalence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was comparable between infants of women using real‐time continuous glucose monitoring supplementary to self‐monitored plasma glucose during labour and delivery and infants of women solely using self‐monitored plasma glucose.
Disclosure of psychosocial stressors affecting diabetes care among uninsured young adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pyatak E. A. , Sequeira P. , Peters A. L. , Montoya L. , Weigensberg M. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsTo determine the disclosure rates of psychosocial issues affecting routine diabetes care.MethodsA total of 20 young adults were interviewed regarding the impact of psychosocial stressors on their diabetes care. The interviewer, endocrinologist and case manager reported the prevalence rates of psychosocial stressors. Disclosure rates were compared to determine the prevalence of psychosocial issues and the different patterns of disclosure.ResultsParticipants reported a high number of psychosocial stressors, which were associated with poorer glycaemic control (r = 0.60, P = 0.005). Approximately half of all disclosed stressors (50.9%) were identified in routine care; other stressors were identified only through intensive case management and/or in‐depth interviews.ConclusionsIdentifying psychosocial stressors in routine care, and providing referrals to psychological or social services, is a significant unmet need and may improve glycaemic control among certain populations with diabetes. Systematic mechanisms of capturing this information, such as by screening surveys, should be considered.
Magnesium intake decreases Type 2 diabetes risk through the improvement of insulin resistance and inflammation: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Hata A. , Doi Y. , Ninomiya T. , Mukai N. , Hirakawa Y. , Hata J. , Ozawa M. , Uchida K. , Shirota T. , Kitazono T. , Kiyohara Y. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsEarly studies have shown that magnesium intake decreases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, but the results are still inconsistent. We prospectively examined the association between magnesium intake and incidence of Type 2 diabetes in a general Japanese population.MethodsA total of 1999 subjects without diabetes aged 40–79 years who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test were followed up prospectively for a mean of 15.6 years.ResultsDuring the follow‐up, 417 subjects developed Type 2 diabetes. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence of Type 2 diabetes significantly decreased with increasing magnesium intake quartile levels (≤ 148.5, 148.6–171.5, 171.6–195.5 and ≥ 195.6 mg/day, P for trend = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, after adjusting for comprehensive risk factors and other dietary factors, the hazard ratio of Type 2 diabetes was 0.67 (95% CI 0.49–0.92; P = 0.01) in the third quartile and 0.63 (95% CI 0.44–0.90; P = 0.01) in the highest quartile compared with the first quartile. In addition, the risk of Type 2 diabetes was 14% lower (P = 0.04) for a 1‐sd increment of log‐transformed magnesium intake in the multivariate‐adjusted model. In stratified analysis, there were statistically significant interactions between magnesium intake and levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein or alcohol intake on the risk of Type 2 diabetes (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that increased magnesium intake was a significant protective factor for the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the general Japanese population, especially among subjects with insulin resistance, low‐grade inflammation and a drinking habit.
Factors associated with diabetic ketoacidosis at onset of Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents
Authors: de Vries L. , Oren L. , Lazar L. , Lebenthal Y. , Shalitin S. , Phillip M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsTo identify risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.MethodsIn three time periods (1986–1987, 1996–1997 and 2006–2007) 75, 86 and 245 patients, respectively, aged < 20 years were newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in one tertiary care centre. In this retrospective comparative study, data of clinical characteristics, laboratory evaluation at diagnosis, as well as demographic data were retrieved from the patients' files. Comparative analyses were performed between patients presenting with or without diabetic ketoacidosis and between the three time periods.ResultsPatients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis were younger (9.2 ± 4.7 vs. 10.4 ± 4.7 years; P < 0.02), thinner (weight standard deviation score –0.59 ± 1.2 vs. –0.25 ± 1.1; P = 0.002) and less frequently had a first‐ and/or second‐degree relative with Type 1 diabetes compared with those without diabetic ketoacidosis at presentation (16.0 vs. 31.2%, respectively; P = 0.001). Children with diabetic ketoacidosis were less likely to have had relevant testing before diagnosis than children without diabetic ketoacidosis. Children aged < 2 years presented more often with diabetic ketoacidosis than the older children (85 vs. 32%; P < 0.001). Children of Ethiopian origin had a higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis than the rest of the cohort (57.8 vs. 33%; P = 0.04).ConclusionsFactors affecting the risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes may be related to the degree of awareness of symptoms of diabetes among parents and primary care physicians. Prevention programmes should aim at increasing awareness and consider the application of special measures to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis in children aged < 2 years and high‐risk ethnic groups.
Dysregulation of the neuregulin‐1–ErbB network modulates endogenous oligodendrocyte differentiation and preservation after spinal cord injury
Authors: Gauthier Marie‐Krystel , Kosciuczyk Kamilla , Tapley Laura , Karimi‐Abdolrezaee Soheila 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) results in degeneration of oligodendrocytes that leads to demyelination and axonal dysfunction. Replacement of oligodendrocytes is impaired after SCI, owing to the improper endogenous differentiation and maturation of myelinating oligodendrocytes. Here, we report that SCI‐induced dysregulation of neuregulin‐1 (Nrg‐1)–ErbB signaling may underlie the poor replacement of oligodendrocytes. Nrg‐1 and its receptors, ErbB‐2, ErbB‐3, and ErbB‐4, play essential roles in several aspects of oligodendrocyte development and physiology. In rats with SCI, we demonstrate that the Nrg‐1 level is dramatically reduced at 1 day after injury, with no restoration at later time‐points. Our characterisation shows that Nrg‐1 is mainly expressed by neurons, axons and oligodendrocytes in the adult spinal cord, and the robust and lasting decrease in its level following SCI reflects the permanent loss of these cells. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) residing in the spinal cord ependyma express ErbB receptors, suggesting that they are responsive to Nrg‐1 availability. In vitro, exogenous Nrg‐1 enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of spinal NPCs into oligodendrocytes while reducing astrocyte differentiation. In rats with SCI, recombinant human Nrg‐1β1 treatment resulted in a signifcant increase in the number of new oligodendrocytes and the preservation of existing ones after injury. Nrg‐1β1 administration also enhanced axonal preservation and attenuated astrogliosis, tumor necrosis factor‐α release and tissue degeneration after SCI. The positive effects of Nrg‐1β1 treatment were reversed by inhibiting its receptors. Collectively, our data provide strong evidence to suggest an impact of Nrg‐1–ErbB signaling on endogenous oligodendrocyte replacement and maintenance in the adult injured spinal cord, and its potential as a therapeutic target for SCI.
Mating‐Associated Changes in the Behaviour of Leptothorax gredleri Ant Queens
Authors: Bernadou Abel , Heinze Jürgen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThroughout their lives, animals adapt their behaviour to environmental fluctuations and to their own requirements. In social insects, behavioural changes are often particularly conspicuous. For example, in many ant species, reproductive sexuals leave their maternal nests and engage in risky mating and dispersal activities. Female sexuals experience, during a short period of time, dramatic changes in terms of behaviour and environmental conditions. But because sexual activities of ants are not easily observed, few studies have quantified in detail how behaviour alters with maturation and mating. We studied how various behavioural traits of Leptothorax gredleri female sexuals, a species in which female sexuals attract males by ‘female calling’, change before and after mating. We tested the hypothesis that behavioural variation reflects the altered requirements of queens to adapt to a particular situation. To this end, we compared geotactic, phototactic and locomotor behaviour across a wide range of life stages from lightly coloured, unmated female sexuals to old, mated queens. The results showed that female sexuals of L. gredleri change conspicuously their geotactic, phototactic and locomotor behavioural traits over their life stages. Three different behavioural states were evident (1) from light to dark female sexuals, individuals have negative phototaxis and reduced locomotor activity; (2) mature female sexuals during the daily period of sexual activity have strong phototaxis, negative geotaxis and an important locomotor activity; and (3) freshly mated and old mated queens avoid light and decrease their locomotor activity. These sharp differences in behaviour between stages match the transition from the relative safety of the nest chamber to the adversary world outside the nest, and back.
Nitrous oxide emissions in the Shanghai river network: implications for the effects of urban sewage and IPCC methodology
Authors: Yu Zhongjie , Deng Huanguang , Wang Dongqi , Ye Mingwu , Tan Yongjie , Li Yangjie , Chen Zhenlou , Xu Shiyuan 
Published: June 2013

AbstractGlobal nitrogen (N) enrichment has resulted in increased nitrous oxide (N2O) emission that greatly contributes to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction, but little is known about the N2O emissions from urban river networks receiving anthropogenic N inputs. We examined N2O saturation and emission in the Shanghai city river network, covering 6300 km2, over 27 months. The overall mean saturation and emission from 87 locations was 770% and 1.91 mg N2O‐N m−2 d−1, respectively. Nitrous oxide (N2O) saturation did not exhibit a clear seasonality, but the temporal pattern was co‐regulated by both water temperature and N loadings. Rivers draining through urban and suburban areas receiving more sewage N inputs had higher N2O saturation and emission than those in rural areas. Regression analysis indicated that water ammonium (NH4+) and dissolved oxygen (DO) level had great control on N2O production and were better predictors of N2O emission in urban watershed. About 0.29 Gg N2O‐N yr−1 N2O was emitted from the Shanghai river network annually, which was about 131% of IPCC's prediction using default emission values. Given the rapid progress of global urbanization, more study efforts, particularly on nitrification and its N2O yielding, are needed to better quantify the role of urban rivers in global riverine N2O emission.