bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic fetal soft markers in a low‐risk population: prevalence, association with trisomies and invasive tests
Authors: Åhman Annika , Axelsson Ove , Maras Gordan , Rubertsson Christine , Sarkadi Anna , Lindgren Peter 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of soft markers identified at second trimester ultrasound in a low‐risk population and the association of these markers with trisomies and invasive testing.DesignProspective observational study.SettingSwedish University Hospital.PopulationAll women with fetuses examined by ultrasound at 15+0–22+0 weeks gestation between July 2008 and March 2011.MethodsCases with soft markers were compared with non‐cases with regard to trisomies and invasive testing.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of soft markers, likelihood ratio for trisomies and risk ratio for invasive tests after detection of soft markers.ResultsSecond trimester ultrasound was performed on 10 710 fetuses. Markers were detected in 5.9% of fetuses. 5.1% were isolated, 0.7% were multiple and 0.1% were combined with an anomaly. Presence of markers showed a positive likelihood ratio for Down syndrome, but the association (likelihood ratio = 7.1) was only statistically significant for the combined category of any marker (isolated, multiple or combined with anomaly). The risk ratio for invasive testing after the second trimester ultrasound was 24.0 in pregnancies with isolated soft markers compared with those without markers.ConclusionIn a low‐risk population, soft markers were found in 5.9% of fetuses at second trimester ultrasound. The likelihood ratio for Down syndrome was significant only for any marker (isolated, multiple or combined with anomaly). The presence of soft markers increased the incidence of invasive procedures substantially. Soft markers should be noted when information on second trimester ultrasound is formulated, and all units performing fetal ultrasound examinations should have established routines concerning information management when soft markers are identified.
Visual acuity thresholds associated with activity limitations in the elderly. The Pathologies Oculaires Liées à l'Age study
Authors: Daien Vincent , Peres Karine , Villain Max , Colvez Alain , Carriere Isabelle , Delcourt Cécile 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeActivity limitations, which induce loss of autonomy in the elderly, are a major public health problem. We investigated the associations between objectively determined visual impairments and activity limitations and assessed the visual acuity thresholds associated with these restrictions.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 1887 people aged 63 years and over from a population‐based cohort. Moderate to severe visual impairment was defined as presenting visual acuity lower than 20/70, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. In addition, we studied mild visual impairment, defined as visual acuity [20/70–20/40]. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between vision and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations. Using receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we identified visual acuity thresholds that maximized the Youden index ([sensitivity + specificity]−1) for predicting IADL limitations.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential confounders, moderate to severe visual impairment and mild visual impairment were strongly associated with IADL limitations (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.93, 6.32 and OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.91, respectively). Visual acuity was a strong predictor of IADL limitations, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.72 (95% CI = 0.68, 0.76). The best discrimination between subjects with or without IADL limitations (global, physical and cognitive) was obtained for visual acuities around 20/40–20/50.ConclusionThis study confirms major increased risk for IADL limitations in subjects with moderate to severe visual impairment. In addition, it suggests that milder visual impairments (in particular below 20/40) may also be related to an increased risk for IADL limitations and should be considered for early medical intervention, before the decline of the subject autonomy.
Neonatal stroke: a review of the current evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutic options
Authors: van der Aa NE , Benders MJNL , Groenendaal F , de Vries LS 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNeonatal stroke, including perinatal arterial ischaemic stroke and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, remains a serious problem in the neonate. This article reviews the current evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutic options.ConclusionAlthough our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and possible risk factors has improved, little progress has been made towards therapeutic options. Considering the high incidence of neurological sequelae, the need for therapeutic options is high and should be the focus of future research.
Review article: linaclotide for the management of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Layer P. , Stanghellini V. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) represents a significant burden to patients and healthcare systems due to its prevalence and lack of successful symptomatic resolution with established treatment options. Linaclotide 290 μg has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for moderate‐to‐severe IBS‐C and by the US Food and Drug Administration for IBS‐C (290 μg dose) and for chronic constipation (145 μg dose).AimTo summarise data leading to the approval of linaclotide for IBS‐C, with focus on EMA‐pre‐specified outcome measures.MethodsLiterature search of a peer‐review database (PubMed) and review of congress abstracts on linaclotide preclinical and clinical trial data in IBS‐C.ResultsPreclinical studies suggest that the guanylate cyclase C agonist (GCCA) linaclotide acts through elevation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, leading to accelerated gastrointestinal (GI) transit through increased fluid secretion and reduced visceral hypersensitivity. Clinical trial data demonstrate that linaclotide improves abdominal symptoms (pain, bloating) and bowel symptoms (constipation) compared with placebo in patients with IBS‐C. The most frequent side effect, diarrhoea, results from the therapeutic action of linaclotide. Linaclotide acts locally in the GI tract with minimal systemic exposure, resulting in low oral bioavailability and thus a low risk of relevant systemic adverse effects.ConclusionLinaclotide, a first‐in‐class GCCA, is a promising new drug with a novel, dual mechanism of action that, unlike more well‐established agents, can relieve the abdominal pain, bloating and constipation associated with IBS‐C and has a low propensity for systemic side effects.
Cortical thickness differences between bipolar depression and major depressive disorder
Authors: Lan Martin J , Chhetry Binod Thapa , Oquendo Maria A , Sublette M Elizabeth , Sullivan Gregory , Mann J John , Parsey Ramin V 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesBipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric disorder with high morbidity and mortality that cannot be distinguished from major depressive disorder (MDD) until the first manic episode. A biomarker able to differentiate BD and MDD could help clinicians avoid risks of treating BD with antidepressants without mood stabilizers.MethodsCortical thickness differences were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging in BD depressed patients (n = 18), MDD depressed patients (n = 56), and healthy volunteers (HVs) (n = 54). A general linear model identified clusters of cortical thickness difference between diagnostic groups.ResultsCompared to the HV group, the BD group had decreased cortical thickness in six regions, after controlling for age and sex, located within the frontal and parietal lobes, and the posterior cingulate cortex. Mean cortical thickness changes in clusters ranged from 7.6 to 9.6% (cluster‐wise p‐values from 1.0 e‐4 to 0.037). When compared to MDD, three clusters of lower cortical thickness in BD were identified that overlapped with clusters that differentiated the BD and HV groups. Mean cortical thickness changes in the clusters ranged from 7.5 to 8.2% (cluster‐wise p‐values from 1.0 e‐4 to 0.023). The difference in cortical thickness was more pronounced when the subgroup of subjects with bipolar I disorder (BD‐I) was compared to the MDD group.ConclusionsCortical thickness patterns were distinct between BD and MDD. These results are a step toward developing an imaging test to differentiate the two disorders.
Metformin induces PGC‐1α expression and selectively affects hepatic PGC‐1α functions
Authors: Aatsinki Sanna‐Mari , Buler Marcin , Salomäki Henriikka , Koulu Markku , Pavek Petr , Hakkola Jukka 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeThe objective of this study was to determine how the AMPK activating antidiabetic drug metformin affects the major activator of hepatic gluconeogenesis, PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) and liver functions regulated by PGC‐1α.Experimental ApproachMouse and human primary hepatocytes and mice in vivo were treated with metformin. Adenoviral overexpression, siRNA and reporter gene constructs were used for mechanistic studies.Key ResultsMetformin increased PGC‐1α mRNA and protein expression in mouse primary hepatocytes. 5‐Aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) (another AMPK activator) had the opposite effect. Metformin also increased PGC‐1α in human primary hepatocytes; this effect of metformin was abolished by AMPK inhibitor compound C and sirtuin 1 siRNA. AMPK overexpression by AMPK‐Ad also increased PGC‐1α. Whereas metformin increased PGC‐1α, it down‐regulated gluconeogenic genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase). Furthermore, metformin attenuated the increase in PEPCK and G6Pase mRNAs induced by PGC‐1α overexpression, but did not affect PGC‐1α‐mediated induction of mitochondrial genes. Metformin down‐regulated several key transcription factors that mediate the effect of PGC‐1α on gluconeogenic genes including Krüppel‐like factor 15, forkhead box protein O1 and hepatocyte NF 4α, whereas it increased nuclear respiratory factor 1, which is involved in PGC‐1α‐mediated regulation of mitochondrial proteins.Conclusions and ImplicationsDown‐regulation of PGC‐1α is not necessary for suppression of gluconeogenic genes by metformin. Importantly, metformin selectively affects hepatic PGC‐1α‐mediated gene regulation and prevents activation of gluconeogenesis, but does not influence its regulation of mitochondrial genes. These results identify selective modulation of hepatic PGC‐1α functions as a novel mechanism involved in the therapeutic action of metformin.
Butterfly Community Composition Across a Successional Gradient in a Human‐disturbed Afro‐tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Nyafwono Margaret , Valtonen Anu , Nyeko Philip , Roininen Heikki 
Published: January 2014

AbstractKnowledge of the recovery of insect communities after forest disturbance in tropical Africa is very limited. Here, fruit‐feeding butterflies in a tropical rain forest at Kibale National Park, Uganda, were used as a model system to uncover how, and how fast, insect communities recover after forest disturbance. We trapped butterflies monthly along a successional gradient for one year. Traps were placed in intact primary forest compartments, heavily logged forest compartments with and without arboricide treatment approximately 43 years ago, and in conifer‐clearcut compartments, ranging from 9 to 19 years of age. The species richness, total abundance, diversity, dominance, and similarity of the community composition of butterflies in the eight compartments were compared with uni‐ and multivariate statistics. A total of 16,728 individuals representing 88 species were trapped during the study. Butterfly species richness, abundance, and diversity did not show an increasing trend along the successional gradient but species richness and abundance peaked at intermediate stages. There was monthly variation in species richness, abundance, diversity and composition. Butterfly community structure differed significantly among the eight successional stages and only a marginal directional change along the successional gradient emerged. The greatest number of indicator species and intact forest interior specialists were found in one of the primary forests. Our results show that forest disturbance has a long‐term impact on the recovery of butterfly species composition, emphasizing the value of intact primary forests for butterfly conservation.
Phyllosphere Bacteria Improve Animal Contribution to Plant Nutrition
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Z. , Hoffmann Fernando L. , Mercier Helenice , Mazzafera Paulo , Romero Gustavo Q. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMany plant species have evolved special adaptations for acquiring nitrogen in nutrient‐poor soils. In Brazilian savannas, the bromeliad Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae) is inhabited by mutualistic spiders (Psecas chapoda, Salticidae), which provide nutrients to the plant through their debris (feces, prey carcasses). In this study, we tested if bacteria present on the B. balansae phyllosphere improves plant nutrition and growth by mineralizing complex organic N compounds from spider debris that accumulate on the phyllosphere into simple compounds that may be absorbed easily by leaves. We conducted a greenhouse experiment by manipulating bacteria abundance on the bromeliad phyllosphere using antibiotics. Using isotopic mixed model equations, we demonstrated that debris from spiders contributed 10.7 ± 1.9 percent (mean ± standard error) of the N in bromeliads that had their bacterial abundance reduced. In contrast, spider feces contributed 27.1 ± 4.4 percent of bromeliad N in the presence of the entire bacterial assemblage. These bromeliads accumulated 57 percent more soluble protein and grew 13 percent more than bromeliads that were grown under reduced bacterial density. These results highlight the importance of mineralizing bacteria on phyllosphere as a mechanism of N uptake by bromeliads.
Associations between perceived needs for dental treatment, oral health‐related quality of life and oral diseases in school‐aged Thai children
Authors: Krisdapong Sudaduang , Prasertsom Piyada , Rattanarangsima Khanit , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo assess perceived needs for dental treatment (PNDT), oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and oral diseases in a Thai school‐aged national representative sample. In addition, relationships between PNDT and various aspects of OHRQoL, different levels of oral diseases as well as sociodemographic characteristics were assessed.MethodsStudy sample was a subsample of Sixth Thailand National Oral Health Survey. Data were collected on 1063 12‐year‐olds and 811 15‐year‐olds through oral examinations, interviews on PNDT and OHRQoL, using Child‐Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child‐OIDP) or Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) indices and questionnaires containing questions on sociodemographic information.ResultsPrevalence rates of PNDT were 60.4% in 12‐year‐olds and 67.6% in 15‐year‐olds. PNDT were highly associated with OHRQoL with significant odds ratios that increased incrementally by the intensity of oral impacts. Oral impacts on eating, emotional stability and smiling and those attributed specifically to dental caries, periodontal diseases, malocclusion and tooth discolouration were associated with PNDT. The chances of having PNDT increased by number of untreated decayed teeth. Periodontal disease was associated with PNDT only when occurring to a great extent. Boys and children in some regional rural areas were less likely than girls and those living in Bangkok to have PNDT.ConclusionsPerceived needs for dental treatment were common and highly associated with levels of oral impacts, specifically impacts on eating, emotional stability and smiling performances. PNDT were also related to number of untreated decayed teeth, a great extent of periodontal disease, sex and geographical region.
Tooth brushing frequency and use of fluoride lozenges in children from 1.5 to 5 years of age: a longitudinal study
Authors: Wigen Tove I. , Wang Nina J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of the analyses was to study development, stability and changes in oral health behaviour – tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride lozenges and fluoridated toothpaste in children from 1.5 to 5 years of age – and to study associations between oral health behaviour and family characteristics.MethodsThis study was based on data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and data from the Public Dental Services. A total of 771 children were followed from 1.5 to 5 years of age. Questionnaires regarding oral health behaviour in children were completed by the parents three times during preschool age.ResultsMore than half of the children (52%) had their teeth brushed twice daily at 1.5 years of age, increasing to 61% at 3 years and 76% at 5 years of age. At 1.5 years of age, 37% of the children used fluoride lozenges daily, increasing to 74% at 3 years and 75% at 5 years of age. The majority of the children who had started brushing twice daily and used fluoride lozenges daily at 1.5 years of age continued these behaviours until the age of 5 years. At 1.5 years of age, children who brushed twice daily were more likely to use fluoride lozenges daily than children who brushed less frequently (P = 0.03). Multiple logistic regression showed that the probability of a child having its teeth brushed twice daily continuously during preschool age was higher when both parents were of western origin [odds ratios (OR) 4.0, confidence intervals (CI) 1.3–11.9] than when one or both parents were of non‐western origin. Children with one older sibling brushed more frequently (OR 1.4, CI 1.0–1.9) and used fluoride lozenges more often (OR 1.6, CI 1.1–2.2) during preschool age than children without older siblings.ConclusionsOral health behaviour established in early life was stable during preschool age. The results indicate that tooth brushing frequency and use of fluoride lozenges were not in accordance with the present recommendations based on the scientific literature. The teeth of Norwegian preschoolers were brushed less frequently than recommended, and more children than recommended were using fluoride lozenges.
Metabolic aspects of different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome: Iranian PCOS Prevalence Study
Authors: Hosseinpanah Farhad , Barzin Maryam , Keihani Sorena , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo compare insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic characteristics of different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy controls in a representative sample of reproductive‐aged Iranian women.DesignCross‐sectional community‐based study.PatientsOf 915 participants, 136 met Rotterdam criteria for PCOS and were divided in four subgroups: ovulatory dysfunction with polycystic ovaries (Anovu + PCO), hyperandrogenism with PCO (HA + PCO), hyperandrogenism with ovulatory dysfunction (HA + Anovu) and full Rotterdam (HA + Anovu + PCO). Also 423 subjects served as normal controls, and the rest of participants were analysed as isolated HA, Anovu or PCO subgroups.MeasurementsAnthropometric measures, biochemical parameters and IR were compared between different groups. IR was defined using the homeostatic model assessment‐IR (HOMA‐IR).ResultsOverall prevalence of IR in PCOS and normal women were 26·5% and 23·9%, respectively (P = 0·03). After age and BMI adjustment, there was no difference regarding metabolic characteristics between different PCOS phenotypes. Also metabolic characteristics, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR were comparable in PCOS subjects with hyperandrogenism and the nonhyperandrogenic phenotype (Anovu + PCO). In regression analysis, only overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) had an independent association with IR (OR: 2·49, CI: 1·06–5·82, P = 0·03).ConclusionsIn a representative sample of an Iranian PCOS population, there is no significant difference between different PCOS phenotypes or between PCOS women and normal subjects regarding their metabolic characteristics. These findings suggest that overall metabolic screening may not always be required for all women diagnosed with PCOS. Larger‐scale population‐based studies are needed to further assess these issues.
Differential associations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and oestradiol with physical, metabolic and health‐related factors in community‐dwelling men aged 17–97 years from the Busselton Health Survey
Authors: Yeap Bu B. , Knuiman Matthew W. , Divitini Mark L. , Handelsman David J. , Beilby John P. , Beilin Jonathan , McQuillan Brendan , Hung Joseph 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectivesLower testosterone (T) levels are associated with poorer health outcomes in older men, but associations in younger or middle‐aged men are uncertain, and data for dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol (E2) are limited. We assessed the associations of circulating T, DHT and E2 with physical and health‐related factors in a cohort comprising men aged 17–97 years.Participants and methodsSerum from 2143 community‐dwelling men from the 1994/95 Busselton Health Survey was assayed for T, DHT and E2 using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Men receiving hormonal therapy or reporting the use of testosterone, or with prostate cancer or orchidectomy were excluded.ResultsOf the men, 43% had never smoked, 6·1% had diabetes and 16·8% cardiovascular disease (CVD). Mean (±SD) age was 50·3 ± 17·0 years. Total T was moderately correlated with DHT (r = 0·56), E2 (r = 0·35) and sex hormone‐binding globulin (r = 0·53). In age‐, smoking‐, body mass index (BMI)‐ and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG)‐adjusted analyses, T was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome score, while DHT and E2 were not associated. In multivariable models, higher total T was associated with lower age, BMI and C‐reactive protein, and with higher creatinine and haemoglobin, independently of SHBG. Higher DHT was associated with lower age, BMI and glucose level, and higher creatinine and haemoglobin. E2 was positively associated with age, BMI and haemoglobin.ConclusionsIn men spanning younger, middle and older ages, circulating androgens are more related to age and metabolic factors than CVD or chronic disease. Further investigation is required to clarify whether androgens and oestrogens have contrasting roles as risk predictors for CVD.