bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pediatric Symptom Checklist as screening tool for neurological and psychosocial problems in a paediatric cohort of patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Terrone Gaetano , Parente Iolanda , Romano Alfonso , Auricchio Renata , Greco Luigi , Del Giudice Ennio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo screen for neurological and behavioural disorders in a paediatric cohort of patients with coeliac disease (CD) in order to detect possible differences related to compliance with gluten‐free diet (GFD).MethodsWe recruited a cohort of 139 patients divided into three groups: A (40 patients with newly diagnosed CD), B (54 patients with CD in remission after GFD) and C (45 patients with potential CD). Patients first underwent a screening neurological visit, detecting signs associated with CD, and then were evaluated with Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), a psychosocial screen for cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems.ResultsIn the group B as compared to group A, there was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the incidence of chronic fatigue, headache and inattention. The same applied to patients compliant to GFD vs. non‐compliant. Potential coeliacs turning into overt CD had a higher incidence of headache and inattention compared with potential coeliacs showing normal mucosa. The PSC mean score in group A was statistically higher than in group B.ConclusionGluten‐free diet had a positive impact on neuropsychiatric symptoms. We suggest the use of PSC in the routine follow‐up of coeliacs in order to allow an early detection of psychosocial problems.
The assessment of genetic diversity within and among the eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers
Authors: Nishimaki Takahiro , Ibi Takayuki , Tanabe Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Naohiko , Matsuhashi Tamako , Akiyama Takayuki , Yoshida Emi , Imai Kazumi , Matsui Mayu , Uemura Keiichi , Watanabe Naoto , Fujita Tatsuo , Saito Yosuke , Komatsu Tomohiko , Yamada Takahisa , Mannen Hideyuki , Sasazaki Shinji , Kunieda Tetsuo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractJapanese Black cattle are at risk for genetic homogeneity due to intensive use of a few sires. Therefore, assessment of the actual genetic diversity of this breed is important for future breeding plans. In the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity within and among eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers. The parameters for genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle were comparable to those of other cattle breeds, suggesting that the relatively high genetic diversity of the breed. However, upon comparison among the eight subpopulations, the Hyogo subpopulation showed markedly low genetic diversity. The results of the pairwise FST values, phylogenetic network and structure analysis indicated that the Hyogo population has remarkably high level of genetic differentiation from other populations, while Yamagata, Niigata, Hiroshima and Kagawa populations have low levels of genetic differentiation. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling plots indicated that individuals in some subpopulations were separated from individuals in the other subpopulations. We conclude that while the overall genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle is still maintained at a relatively high level, that of a particular subpopulation is significantly reduced, and therefore the effective population size of the breed needs to be controlled by correct mating strategies.
Changes in the bacterial community and composition of fermentation products during ensiling of wiltedItalian ryegrass and wilted guinea grass silages
Authors: Li Yanbing , Nishino Naoki 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTo gain further insights into temperate and tropical grass ensiling, fermentation products and bacterial communities were examined at both the initial and late stages of ensiling of wiltedItalian ryegrass and wilted guinea grass silages. 2,3‐Butanediol and ethanol fermentation were observed in wiltedItalian ryegrass silage. Enterobacteria such asRahnellasp. andEnterobactersp. may have been involved in fermentation; however, alcohol production was intensified after the silage enterobacterial community overwhelmed the pre‐ensiled enterobacterial community.Pediococcusspp. appeared in silage stored for 4 months, when a significant increase in lactic acid content was seen compared with that at 2 months. Prolonged storage enhanced acetic acid fermentation in wilted guinea grass silage. The disappearance ofEnterococcus sulfureusand appearance ofLactobacillus plantarummay have been associated with the increased acetic acid content. Although many species of enterobacteria were found in common between the pre‐ensiled crop and silages of Italian ryegrass and guinea grass, marked differences were seen in the type of fermentation from the initial stages. These results indicate that the bacterial community of pre‐ensiled crops may be immediately replaced by one that is adapted to ensiling environments, although metabolic changes may continue over the course of ensiling.
Duration of action of a topical anaesthetic formulation for pain management of mulesing in sheep
Authors: Lomax S , Sheil M , Windsor PA 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of topical anaesthesia on ‘mothering up’ of lambs after mulesing and marking, and for pain alleviation over a 24‐h period.DesignTwo separate trials were performed on Merino lambs undergoing the mules procedure for flystrike prevention, to assess the efficacy of immediate postoperative topical anaesthetic wound dressing containing lignocaine (hydrochloride) 40.6 g/L, bupivacaine (hydrochloride) 4.5 g/L, adrenaline (tartrate) 24.8 mg/L and cetrimide 5.0 g/L in a gel base (Bayer Animal Health, Gordon, NSW, Australia).MethodsIn both trials, lambs were assigned to one of three treatment regimens: control, mules procedure with topical anaesthetic (0.5 mL/kg) and mules procedure without topical anaesthetic treatment. Parameters measured included body weight, assessment of skin and wound sensitivity to light touch and pain stimulation, behavioural responses and time to mother up and to feed.ResultsIn both trials there was rapid (1 min) and prolonged (up to 24 h) wound analgesia as shown by lower scores for light touch (P < 0.001) and pain responses (P < 0.001), with absent or significantly diminished primary and secondary hyperalgesia (P ≤ 0.05) and significant reduction in pain‐related behaviours (P < 0.001) in treated versus untreated lambs.ConclusionSignificant pain alleviation and improved recovery can be achieved in lambs for at least 24 h after mulesing through the use of topical anaesthesia. It is suggested that the haemostatic action of adrenalin, together with inhibition of the inflammatory cascade and the barrier effect of the gel within the product, may explain the prolonged anaesthesia up to 24 h observed in the present study. These results suggest that topical anaesthesia has the capacity to dramatically improve the welfare of lambs undergoing mulesing.
Enantiomer Selective Glucuronidation of the Non‐Steroidal Pure Anti‐Androgen Bicalutamide by Human Liver and Kidney: Role of the Human UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A9 Enzyme
Authors: Grosse Laurent , Campeau Anne‐Sophie , Caron Sarah , Morin Frédéric‐Alexandre , Meunier Kim , Trottier Jocelyn , Caron Patrick , Verreault Mélanie , Barbier Olivier 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBicalutamide (Casodex®) is a non‐steroidal pure anti‐androgen used in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. It is a racemate drug, and its activity resides in the (R)‐enantiomer, with little in the (S)‐enantiomer. A major metabolic pathway for bicalutamide is glucuronidation catalysed by UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes. While (S)bicalutamide is directly glucuronidated, (R)bicalutamide requires hydroxylation prior to glucuronidation. The contribution of human tissues and UGT isoforms in the metabolism of these enantiomers has not been extensively investigated. In this study, both (R) and/or (S)bicalutamide were converted into glucuronide (‐G) derivatives after incubation of pure and racemic solutions with microsomal extracts from human liver and kidney. Intestinal microsomes exhibited only low reactivity with these substrates. Km values of liver and kidney samples for (S)bicalutamide glucuronidation were similar, and lower than values obtained with the (R)‐enantiomer. Among the 16 human UGTs tested, UGT1A8 and UGT1A9 were able to form both (S) and (R)bicalutamide‐G from pure or racemic substrates. UGT2B7 was also able to form (R)bicalutamide‐G. Kinetic parameters of the recombinant UGT2B7, UGT1A8 and UGT1A9 enzymes support a predominant role of the UGT1A9 isoform in bicalutamide metabolism. Accordingly, (S)bicalutamide inhibited the ability of human liver and kidney microsomes to glucuronidate the UGT1A9 probe substrate, propofol. In conclusion, the present study provides the first comprehensive analysis of in vitro bicalutamide glucuronidation by human tissues and UGTs and identifies UGT1A9 as a major contributor for (R) and (S) glucuronidation in the human liver and kidney.
Neurocognitive features in subgroups of bipolar disorder
Authors: Aminoff Sofie Ragnhild , Hellvin Tone , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Berg Akiah Ottesen , Andreassen Ole A , Melle Ingrid 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo examine which subgroups of DSM‐IV bipolar disorder (BD) [BD type I (BD‐I) or BD type II (BD‐II), and subgroups based on history of psychosis, presenting polarity, and age at onset] differentiate best regarding neurocognitive measures.MethodsA total of 199 patients with BD were characterized by clinical and neurocognitive features. The distribution of subgroups in this sample was: BD‐I, 64% and BD‐II, 36%; 60% had a history of psychosis; 57% had depression as the presenting polarity; 61% had an early onset of BD, 25% had a mid onset, and 14% had a late onset. We used multivariate regression analyses to assess relationships between neurocognitive variables and clinical subgroups.ResultsBoth BD‐I diagnosis and elevated presenting polarity were related to impairments in verbal memory, with elevated presenting polarity explaining more of the variance in this cognitive domain (22.5%). History of psychosis and BD‐I diagnosis were both related to impairment in semantic fluency, with history of psychosis explaining more of the variance (11.6%).ConclusionPoor performance in verbal memory appears to be associated with an elevated presenting polarity, and poor performance in semantic fluency appears to be associated with a lifetime history of psychosis.
Mood‐dependent changes of serum lithium concentration in a rapid cycling patient maintained on stable doses of lithium carbonate
Authors: Rittmannsberger Hans , Malsiner‐Walli Gertraud 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveSerum lithium levels may be influenced by mood state. We report on a 58‐year‐old female patient suffering from rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Her serum lithium levels varied greatly, despite stable medication.MethodsThe patient was observed over a one‐year period.ResultsThe patient received a stable medication of lithium carbonate (450 mg), valproate (1500 mg), and clozapine (200 mg). Investigating mood and serum lithium levels over one year revealed six manic and six depressive phases. The mean lithium serum level was 0.67 mmol/L in the depressive states, 0.39 mmol/L in the manic states (t = 4.11, p = 0.001 versus depression), and 0.40 mmol/L in the euthymic states (t = 3.58, p = 0.003 versus depression). Noncompliance was ruled out. The patient gained up to 8 kg during manic phases, accompanied by pretibial edema.ConclusionsChanges in serum lithium concentration are probably not caused by altered lithium, but by water metabolism. During mania, body water increases, leading to dilution and therefore a reduction in serum lithium levels. As there is no proof for any other known cause of hypervolemia, we propose the hypothesis that the increase in body water is due to a variant of idiopathic edema.
Oncogenic properties of sphingosine kinases in haematological malignancies
Authors: Wallington‐Beddoe Craig T. , Bradstock Kenneth F. , Bendall Linda J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe sphingosine kinases (SphKs) have relatively recently been implicated in contributing to malignant cellular processes with particular interest in the oncogenic properties of SPHK1. Whilst SPHK1 has received considerable attention as a putative oncoprotein, SPHK2 has been much more difficult to study, with often conflicting data surrounding its role in cancer. Initial studies focused on non‐haemopoietic malignancies, however a growing body of literature on the role of sphingolipid metabolism in haemopoietic malignancies is now emerging. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of the SphKs and the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), the product of the reaction they catalyse. It then reviews the current literature regarding the roles of S1P and the SphKs in haemopoietic malignancies and discusses the compounds currently available that modulate sphingolipid metabolism and their potential and shortcomings as therapeutic agents for the treatment of haematological malignancies.
Public voices from anonymous corridors: The public face of the public service in a Westminster system
Authors: Grube Dennis 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUnder the traditions of the Westminster system, prime ministers and ministers give countless public speeches each year, while their loyal public service quietly and anonymously carries out the daily business of public administration. Current practice suggests that this traditional picture no longer holds true. In the 21st century, bureaucratic leaders are prepared to give public speeches on their own authority – adopting a “public face” as contributors to public debate. This article examines the extent to which key bureaucratic leaders in Canada have adopted an independent public face through public speeches, and how the Canadian experience compares to other Westminster jurisdictions. It argues that contemporary Canadian practice has taken a middle road between independent policy advocacy and quiet anonymity.
Management improvement in the Canadian public service, 1999–2010
Authors: Charko Phil 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article surveys management improvement initiatives in the federal public service during the 2000s and assesses their progress. It reviews eight key areas: management accountability; expenditure management; financial management; human resource management; grants and contributions management; project management and capital investment; internal audit; and processes to sustain public service values and ethics. Although not all of the initiatives have been equally successful, this article argues that general improvement has been realized. The article also considers factors behind the successes, arguing that improvements typically arise from a combination of political, organizational, cultural and economic factors including public service leadership and support at the political level. Recent budget pressures may affect the sustainability of continuing management improvement, but elements for moving forward are clear.
“Man plans,God laughs”:Canada's national strategy for protecting critical infrastructure
Authors: Quigley Kevin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCritical Infrastructure Protection seeks to enhance the physical and cyber‐security of key public and private assets and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, industrial accidents and terrorist attacks. In 2009, severalCanadian governments published theNational Strategy and Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure(NS&AP), a framework for governments and the owners and operators of critical infrastructure – largely in the private sector – to collaborate on the security and increased resiliency ofCanada's critical assets. Drawing on the social science risk literature, audits, and a three‐year research and education project, this article argues that the strategy of relationship building, collaborative risk management and information sharing is under‐developed and limited by market competition, incompatible institutional cultures, and legal, logistical and political constraints. TheNS&APshould better delineate risks and identify how governments can work with industry, and acknowledge the paradox between trust and transparency, the role of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise, and how risk management processes can vary.
Lifestyle correlates of self‐reported sleep duration among Saudi adolescents: a multicentre school‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Al‐Hazzaa H. M. , Musaiger A. O. , Abahussain N. A. , Al‐Sobayel H. I. , Qahwaji D. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundLifestyle factors are important determinants of adequate sleep among adolescents. However, findings on sleep duration relative to lifestyle factors are conflicting. Therefore, this study examined the association of self‐reported sleep duration with physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among Saudi adolescents.MethodsA multicentre school‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in three major cities in Saudi Arabia. The sample included 2868 secondary‐school students (51.9% girls) aged 15–19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. In addition to anthropometric measurements, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits were assessed using self‐reported questionnaire.ResultsSeveral lifestyle factors were associated with sleep duration in adolescents. While controlling for some potential confounders, the findings showed that high screen time [>5 h/day; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.505, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.180–1.920, P = 0.001] and low (aOR = 1.290, 95% CI = 1.064–1.566, P = 0.010) to medium (aOR = 1.316, 95% CI = 1.075–1.611, P = 0.008) physical activity levels were significantly related to daily sleep of 8 h or longer. Furthermore, having low intake of breakfast (<3 day/week compared with 5 days or more per week) decreased the odd of having adequate sleep duration by a factor of 0.795 (95% CI = 0.667–0.947, P < 0.010).ConclusionsShort sleep duration (<8 h/day) among Saudi adolescents 15–19 year olds was significantly associated with several lifestyle factors. Intervention programs aiming for improving sleeping habits among adolescents need to consider such potential association of lifestyle variables with sleep duration.
Professionals' understanding of partnership with parents in the context of family support programmes
Authors: van Houte Sabine , Bradt Lieve , Vandenbroeck Michel , Bouverne‐De Bie Maria 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPartnership has become a dominant concept in current thinking about the parent–professional relationship within a variety of interventions aimed at child welfare, including family support practice. However, despite the burgeoning policy and research attention, the meaning of partnership in practice remains unclear. Based on interviews with professionals in a family support intervention in Flanders (the Dutch‐speaking part of Belgium), this paper offers an insight into professionals' daily interactions with parents. The analysis reveals a tension between professionals' commitment towards parents on the one hand, and the way professionals take up this commitment in an expert role on the other. Consequences for professionals' relationships in child and family welfare interventions are discussed, as well as some implications for the realization of proper partnerships that acknowledge the power imbalances that exist in such partnerships.
Mechanical Property Assessment of Bone Healing around a Titanium–Zirconium Alloy Dental Implant
Authors: Anchieta Rodolfo B. , Baldassarri Marta , Guastaldi Fernando , Tovar Nick , Janal Malvin N. , Gottlow Jan , Dard Michel , Jimbo Ryo , Coelho Paulo G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt has been reported that titanium–zirconium alloy with 13–17% zirconium (TiZr1317) implants show higher biomechanical stability and bone area percentage relative to commercially pure titanium (cpTi) grade 4 fixtures.PurposeThis study aimed to determine whether the higher stability for TiZr1317 implants is associated with higher mechanical properties of remodeling bone in the areas around the implants.Materials and MethodsThis study utilized 36 implants (n = 18: TiZr1317, n = 18: cpTi), which were placed in the healed ridges of the mandibular premolar and first molar of 12 mini pigs (n = 3 implants/animal). After 4 weeks in vivo, the samples were retrieved, and resin‐embedded histologic sections of approximately 100 μm in thickness were prepared. In order to determine the nanomechanical properties, nanoindentation (n = 30 tests/specimen) was performed on the bone tissue of the sections under wet conditions with maximum load of 300 μN (loading rate: 60 μN/s).ResultsThe mean (± standard deviation) elastic modulus (E) and hardness (H) for the TiZr1317 group were 2.73 ± 0.50 GPa and 0.116 ± 0.017 GPa, respectively. For the cpTi group, values were 2.68 ± 0.51 GPa and 0.110 ± 0.017 GPa for E and H, respectively. Although slightly higher mechanical properties values were observed for the TiZr1317 implants relative to the cpTi for both elastic modulus and hardness, these differences were not significant (E = p > 0.75; H = p > 0.59).ConclusionsThe titanium–zirconium alloy used in this study presented similar degrees of nanomechanical properties to that of the cpTi implants.
Vitamin D3 Induces IDO+ Tolerogenic DCs and Enhances Treg, Reducing the Severity of EAE
Authors: Farias Alessandro S. , Spagnol Gabriela S. , Bordeaux‐Rego Pedro , Oliveira Camila O.F. , Fontana Ana Gabriela M. , de Paula Rosemeire F.O. , Santos Mariana P.A. , Pradella Fernando , Moraes Adriel S. , Oliveira Elaine C. , Longhini Ana Leda F. , Rezende Alexandre C.S. , Vaisberg Mauro W. , Santos Leonilda M.B. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundA growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that vitamin D is an important environmental factor in the etiology of T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).AimThe purpose of this study was exploring the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of vitamin D3 in encephalomyelitis (EAE).MethodsWe treated monophasic experimental autoimmune EAE, induced in Lewis rat, with vitamin D3 and adoptively transfer tolerogenic bone marrow‐derived DCs generated in the presence of vitamin D3.ResultsThis study provides evidence that the in vivo administration of vitamin D3, as well as the adoptive transfer of vitamin D3‐induced IDO+ immature/tolerogenic dendritic cells, leads to a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the lymph nodes in a rat model of MS, experimental autoimmune EAE. Concomitant with the increase in this cell population, there is a significant decrease in the number of autoreactive T cells in the central nervous system. Bone marrow‐derived DCs cultivated in the presence of vitamin D3 present a tolerogenic profile with high IL‐10, TNFα, and IDO expression and decreased MHC‐II and CD80 expression. The adoptive transfer of IDO + DCs induces a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the lymph nodes, comparable with vitamin D3 treatment.ConclusionThese mechanisms contribute actively to the generation of a microenvironment in the lymph nodes that suppresses the activation of encephalitogenic T cells, resulting in the downregulation of the inflammatory response in the central nervous system.