bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin preserves muscle strength in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Markvardsen L. H. , Harbo T. , Sindrup S. H. , Christiansen I. , Andersen H. , Jakobsen J. ,   The Danish CIDP and MMN Study Group
Published: July 2014

Background and purposeSubcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is superior to placebo treatment for maintenance of muscle strength during 12 weeks in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The present study evaluated whether SCIG preserves muscle strength for 1 year in an open‐label follow‐up study.MethodsSeventeen responders to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) who had participated in the previous study of SCIG versus placebo in CIDP were included. After one IVIG infusion 2 weeks prior to baseline, all continued on SCIG treatment at weekly equal dosage and were evaluated after 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary end‐points were changes in muscle strength evaluated by isokinetic dynamometry in four affected muscle groups and a composite score of muscle performance and function tests, including Medical Research Council (MRC) score, grip strength, 40‐m walking test (40‐MWT) and nine‐hole peg test (9‐HPT). Secondary end‐points were changes of each of the listed parameters at each time point as well as an overall disability sum score (ODSS).ResultsThe dose of SCIG was significantly unaltered during the follow‐up period. Overall the isokinetic dynamometry value increased by 7.2% (P = 0.033) and after 3, 6 and 12 months by 5.7%, 8.2% and 6.8% (ns). The overall composite score at all time intervals and for each interval remained unchanged. Amongst the secondary parameters the MRC score increased significantly by 1.7% (P = 0.007), whereas grip strength, 40‐MWT, 9‐HPT and ODSS remained unchanged.ConclusionSCIG preserves muscle strength and functional ability in patients with CIDP who previously responded to IVIG. SCIG should be considered as an alternative in long‐term treatment of CIDP patients.
Structural analysis of human soluble adenylyl cyclase and crystal structures of its nucleotide complexes – implications for cyclase catalysis and evolution
Authors: Kleinboelting Silke , van den Heuvel Joop , Steegborn Clemens 
Published: July 2014

The ubiquitous second messenger cAMP regulates a wide array of functions, from bacterial transcription to mammalian memory. It is synthesized by six evolutionarily distinct adenylyl cyclase (AC) families. In mammals, there are two AC types: nine transmembrane ACs (tmACs) and one soluble AC (sAC). Both AC types belong to the widespread cyclase class III, which has members in numerous organisms from archaeons to mammals. Class III also contains all known guanylyl cyclases (GCs), which synthesize the cAMP‐related messenger cGMP in many eukaryotes and possibly some prokaryotes. Among mammalian ACs, sAC is uniquely regulated by bicarbonate, and has been proposed to be more closely related to a bacterial AC subfamily than to mammalian ACs, on the basis of sequence comparisons. Here, we used crystal structures of human sAC catalytic domains to analyze its relationships with other class III ACs and GCs, and to study its substrate selection mechanisms. Structural comparisons revealed a similarity within an sAC‐like subfamily but no family‐specific structure elements, and an unexpected sAC similarity to eukaryotic GCs and a potential bacterial GC. We further solved novel crystal structures of sAC catalytic domains in complex with a substrate analog, unprocessed ATP substrate, and product after soaking with ATP or GTP. The structures show a novel ATP‐binding conformation, and suggest mechanisms for substrate association and recognition. Our results could explain the limited substrate specificity of sAC, suggest how specificity is increased in other cyclases, and indicate evolutionary relationships among class III enzymes, with sAC being close to a putative ‘ancestor’ cyclase.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors for the novel sAC‐cat structures described have been deposited with the Worldwide PDB (www.pdb.org): ApCpp soak (entry 4usu), ATP + Ca2+ soak (entry 4usv), GTP + Mg2+ soak (entry 4ust), ATP soak (entry 4usw).
The isotopic biosignatures of photo‐ vs. thiotrophic bivalves: are they preserved in fossil shells?
Authors: Dreier A. , Loh W. , Blumenberg M. , Thiel V. , Hause‐Reitner D. , Hoppert M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSymbiont‐bearing and non‐symbiotic marine bivalves were used as model organisms to establish biosignatures for the detection of distinctive symbioses in ancient bivalves. For this purpose, the isotopic composition of lipids (δ13C) and bulk organic shell matrix (δ13C, δ34S, δ15N) from shells of several thiotrophic, phototrophic, or non‐symbiotic bivalves were compared (phototrophic: Fragum fragum, Fragum unedo, Tridacna maxima; thiotrophic: Codakia tigerina, Fimbria fimbriata, Anodontia sp.; non‐symbiotic: Tapes dorsatus, Vasticardium vertebratum, Scutarcopagia sp.). ∆13C values of bulk organic shell matrices, most likely representing mainly original shell protein/chitin biomass, were depleted in thio‐ and phototrophic bivalves compared to non‐symbiotic bivalves. As the bulk organic shell matrix also showed a major depletion of δ15N (down to –2.2 ‰) for thiotrophic bivalves, combined δ13C and δ15N values are useful to differentiate between thio‐, phototrophic, and non‐symbiotic lifestyles. However, the use of these isotopic signatures for the study of ancient bivalves is limited by the preservation of the bulk organic shell matrix in fossils. Substantial alteration was clearly shown by detailed microscopic analyses of fossil (late Pleistocene) T. maxima and Trachycardium lacunosum shell, demonstrating a severe loss of quantity and quality of bulk organic shell matrix with time. Likewise, the composition and δ13C‐values of lipids from empty shells indicated that a large part of these compounds derived from prokaryotic decomposers. The use of lipids from ancient shells for the reconstruction of the bivalve's life style therefore appears to be restricted.
Assessment of vaccination‐related information for consumers available on Facebook®
Authors: Buchanan Rachel , Beckett Robert D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the magnitude, interest, purpose and validity of vaccination‐related information on Facebook and to determine whether information varies by site viewpoint.MethodsThe 10 largest vaccination‐focused Facebook® pages, groups and places in each category were identified and classified by viewpoint (i.e. anti‐, pro‐, neutral) and purpose. Number of members, posts per week, likes, comments and shares per post were recorded. Posts were assessed for concordance with CDC and FDA recommendations.ResultsOf 30 sites, 43% (n = 13) were anti‐vaccination, 7% (n = 2) neutral and 50% (n = 15) pro‐vaccination. Most sites were most popular with American users. Median members were similar between anti‐vaccination (2703 members, range 337–33 631 members) and pro‐vaccination sites (2142 members, range 456–61 565 members, P = 0.262); however, anti‐vaccination sites accumulated more posts per week by authors (median 15 vs. 3, P = 0.031) and members (median 33 vs. 1, P < 0.001). Pro‐vaccination sites more commonly had commercial purpose (53% [n = 8] vs. 8% [n = 1], P = 0.02). Anti‐vaccination sites more commonly gave medical advice (54% [n = 7] vs. 0%, P = 0.004). Overall, 48% (n = 22) of author posts were concordant with regulatory recommendations; concordance was more common on pro‐vaccination sites (78% [n = 21] vs. 5% [n = 1], P = 0.0002).ConclusionVaccination‐related information is prevalent on Facebook regardless of viewpoint; however, anti‐vaccination information generates more interest. Anti‐vaccination sites were likely to provide medical advice and disagree with regulatory bodies.
Body mass index, waist circumference and skin‐fold thickness in 12‐ to 14‐year‐old Dutch adolescents: differences between 2003 and 2011
Authors: van Nassau F. , Singh A. S. , van Mechelen W. , Brug J. , Chinapaw M. J. M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare anthropometrics of 12‐ to 14‐year‐old Dutch adolescents attending lower levels of education in 2011 with adolescents measured in 2003.MethodsWe used baseline data from two trials evaluating a school‐based obesity prevention programme in 2003 (randomized controlled trial with 18 schools) and in 2011 (cluster controlled trial with 29 schools). We measured adolescents' body height and weight, skin‐fold thickness, and waist circumference in 2003 (n = 1000; response rate 76%) and 2011 (n = 1898; response rate 86%). We used multivariable multilevel linear or logistic regression analyses stratifying for gender, ethnicity and prevocational education track (vocational or theoretical) where appropriate.ResultsIn boys, prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, triceps, biceps and subscapular skin‐folds were significantly higher in 2011. This was also true for vocational girls, except for the subscapular skin‐fold. Girls, attending the theoretical track, had a significantly larger waist circumference, but thinner subscapular and suprailiac skin‐fold thickness in 2011.ConclusionsThe increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in Dutch adolescents attending prevocational education is worrisome.Trial registration numberCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN87127361 and Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92755979.
Association of gestational diabetes and breastfeeding on obesity prevalence in predominately Hispanic low‐income youth
Authors: Shearrer G. E. , Whaley S. E. , Miller S. J. , House B. T. , Held T. , Davis J. N. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine if breastfeeding duration by gestational diabetes mellitus status impacted the prevalence of obesity in offspring.MethodsData were obtained from a 2011 phone survey with caregivers of low‐income children (2–4 years) participating in the Women, Infants and Children programme in Los Angeles County. The final sample included 2295 children, 84% Hispanic and 48% female. Chi‐square and binary logistic regression were used to assess gestational diabetes status and breastfeeding duration on the prevalence of obesity, with the following a priori covariates: child's ethnicity, birth weight, age in months and sex.ResultsBreastfeeding and gestational diabetes were significantly associated with obesity prevalence (P < 0.01). Using gestational diabetes mellitus and no breastfeeding as the referent category, gestational diabetes mellitus offspring who were breastfed ≥12 months had a 72% decrease in obesity prevalence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28, confidence interval 0.89–0.03, P = 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that > 12 months of breastfeeding duration in the gestational diabetes mellitus group and any duration of breastfeeding in the non‐gestational diabetes mellitus mothers is needed to reduce obesity levels in a primarily Hispanic population.
Effect of Add‐on Aliskiren to Type 1 Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy on Endothelial Function and Autonomic Nervous System in Hypertensive Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Ozeki Atsuko , Amiya Eisuke , Watanabe Masafumi , Hosoya Yumiko , Takata Munenori , Watanabe Aya , Kawarasaki Shuichi , Nakao Tomoko , Watanabe Shogo , Omori Kazuko , Yamada Namie , Tahara Yukiko , Hirata Yasunobu , Nagai Ryozo 
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the add‐on effect of aliskiren to valsartan on endothelial‐dependent vasodilation in hypertensive patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). After 4 weeks of treatment with 80 mg of valsartan, 28 patients were allocated to either continued treatment with valsartan or an add‐on treatment with valsartan plus 150 mg of aliskiren. Aliskiren significantly decreased plasma renin activity, whereas endothelium‐dependent vasodilation measured by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) did not change. In contrast, heart rate significantly decreased (73.1 ± 9.8 to 66.3 ± 7.0 beats per minute at baseline and 24 weeks, respectively [P = .009]) and the standard deviation of the R‐R intervals (SDNN) significantly increased in the aliskiren group. The add‐on aliskiren to valsartan therapy may not improve endothelial functions, although it significantly reduced resting heart rate via regulation of the autonomic nervous system in hypertensive patients with IHD.
Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin induces apoptosis via activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Jung Mogg , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Nayoung , Ko Su Hyuk , Jeon Jong Ik , Kim Young‐Jeon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackground and AimDendritic cells (DCs) are observed on the Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. DCs generally play an important role in the regulation of inflammation. Although stimulation of gastric epithelial cells with H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) has been reported to induce apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the effects of VacA on the DC apoptotic response have not been well elucidated. This study was conducted to investigate the role of H. pylori VacA on the apoptotic process and ER stress in DCs.MethodsMurine and human DCs were generated from specific pathogen‐free C57BL/6 mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. DCs were incubated with purified VacA, after which Bax activation, cytochrome c release, and DNA fragmentation for apoptosis were measured by fluorescent microscopy, immunoblot, and ELISA. ER stress‐related molecules such as GRP78 and CHOP were analyzed by immunoblot.ResultsTreatment of DCs with purified H. pylori VacA resulted in the induction of apoptosis. DC stimulation with VacA led to the translocation of cytoplasmic Bax to mitochondria and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. H. pylori VacA induced signals for ER stress early during the stimulation process in DCs. Furthermore, suppression of ER stress resulted in a significant inhibition of the VacA‐induced apoptosis in DCs.ConclusionThese results suggest that ER stress is critical for regulation of DC apoptotic process in response to VacA stimulation.
Renovating Situation Taxonomies: Exploring the Construction and Content of Fundamental Motive Situation Types
Authors: Morse Patrick J. , Neel Rebecca , Todd Elysia , Funder David 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe present work demonstrates a method for constructing theoretically based situational classifications and exploring their behavioral implications. Fundamental motives theory (FMT; Kenrick, Griskevicius, Neuberg, & Schaller, 2010; Kenrick, Neuberg, Griskevicius, Becker, & Schaller, 2010) proposes that humans have evolved seven specific social motives that would be differentially evoked by different situations. Experts in FMT used the Riverside Situational Q‐sort (RSQ) to describe prototypic motive‐relevant situations and the Riverside Behavioral Q‐sort (RBQ) to construct templates representing predictions of how people would behave in them. A sample of 201 undergraduate participants used the RSQ to describe situations they had experienced within the past 24 hours, and they described their behavior in each situation using the RBQ. For both the RSQ and RBQ, self‐protection and disease avoidance templates were highly similar to each other and different from mate‐seeking and affiliation templates. Participants more often reported experiencing situations similar to the mate‐seeking, affiliation, and kin care templates and less often reported experiencing situations similar to the self‐protection and disease avoidance templates. Participants' reported behavior was consistent with expectations from FMT. This study illustrates how relations between situations and behavior can be illuminated through the use of theoretically derived templates.
The Stability of Social Desirability: A Latent Change Analysis
Authors: Haberecht Katja , Schnuerer Inga , Gaertner Beate , John Ulrich , Freyer‐Adam Jennis 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSocial desirability has been shown to be stable in samples with higher school education. However, little is known about the stability of social desirability in more heterogeneous samples differing in school education. This study aimed to investigate the stability of social desirability and which factors predict interindividual differences in intraindividual change. As part of a randomized controlled trial, 1,243 job seekers with unhealthy alcohol use were systematically recruited at three job agencies. A total of 1,094 individuals (87.8%) participated in at least one of two follow‐ups (6 and 15 months after baseline) and constitute this study's sample. The Social Desirability Scale‐17 was applied. Two latent change models were conducted: Model 1 tested for interindividual differences in intraindividual change of social desirability between both follow‐ups; Model 2 included possible predictors (age, sex, education, current employment status) of interindividual differences in intraindividual change. Model 1 revealed a significant decrease of social desirability over time. Model 2 revealed school education to be the only significant predictor of change. These findings indicate that stability of social desirability may depend on school education. It may not be as stable in individuals with higher school education as in individuals with lower education.
The role of vulnerability in stress‐related insomnia, social support and coping styles on incidence and persistence of insomnia
Authors: Jarrin Denise C. , Chen Ivy Y. , Ivers Hans , Morin Charles M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIndividuals who are more prone to experience situational insomnia under stressful conditions may also be at greater risk to develop subsequent insomnia. While cross‐sectional data exist on the link between sleep reactivity (heightened vulnerability to stress‐related insomnia) and insomnia, limited data exist on its predictive value. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively whether sleep reactivity was associated with increased risk of incident and persistent insomnia in a population‐based sample of good sleepers. Social support and coping styles were also investigated as potential moderators. Participants were 1449 adults (Mage = 47.4 years, standard deviation = 15.1; 41.2% male) without insomnia at baseline and evaluated four times over 3 years. Sleep reactivity was measured using the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST). Additional measures included depressive symptoms, the frequency and perceived impact of stressful life events, social support and coping styles. After controlling for prior sleep history, depressive symptoms, arousal predisposition, stressful life events and perceived impact, individuals with higher sleep reactivity had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.16], 1.41 (95% CI: 0.87–2.30) and 2.02 (95% CI: 1.30–3.15) of developing insomnia symptoms, syndrome and persistent insomnia, respectively. Social support and coping styles did not moderate these associations. Results suggest that heightened vulnerability to insomnia is associated with an increased risk of developing new‐onset subsyndromal and persistent insomnia in good sleepers. Knowledge of premorbid differences is important to identify at‐risk individuals, as this may help to develop more targeted prevention and intervention strategies for insomnia.
Sleep duration is associated with white matter hyperintensity volume in older adults: the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Ramos Alberto R. , Dong Chuanhui , Rundek Tatjana , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Boden‐Albala Bernadette , Sacco Ralph L. , Wright Clinton B. 
Published: July 2014

SummarySelf‐reports of long or short sleep durations have indicated an association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but there are limited data evaluating their association with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), a marker of cerebral small vessel disease. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of self‐reported sleep duration to test for a correlation with white matter hyperintensities, measured by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the Northern Manhattan Study. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess associations between both short (<6 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep durations and log‐transformed WMHV, adjusting for demographic, behavioural and vascular risk factors. A total of 1244 participants, mean age 70 ± 9 years, 61% women and 68% Hispanics were analysed with magnetic resonance brain imaging and self‐reported sleep duration. Short sleep was reported by 23% (n = 293) and long sleep by 10% (n = 121) of the sample. Long sleep (β = 0.178; P = 0.035), but not short sleep (β = −0.053; P = 0.357), was associated with greater log‐WMHV in fully adjusted models. We observed an interaction between sleep duration, diabetes mellitus and log‐WMHV (P = 0.07). In fully adjusted models, stratified analysis showed that long sleep duration was associated with greater WMHV only in those with diabetes (β = 0.78; P = 0.0314), but not in those without diabetes (β = 0.022; P = 0.2), whereas short sleep was not associated with white matter hyperintensities in those with or without diabetes. In conclusion, long sleep duration was associated with a greater burden of white matter lesions in this stroke‐free urban sample. The association was seen mainly among those with diabetes mellitus.
Observation bias and its causes in botanical surveys on high‐alpine summits
Authors: Burg Sarah , Rixen Christian , Stöckli Veronika , Wipf Sonja 
Published: July 2014

AbstractQuestionTo determine long‐term vegetation changes in revisitation studies, it is crucial to know how much of measured species turnover over time can be attributed to pseudo‐turnover (i.e. turnover caused by imperfect data acquisition), and which factors contribute to observation bias and pseudo‐turnover. Independent simultaneous surveys provide a powerful tool to quantify pseudo‐turnover and to indentify factors causing it, which may vary strongly between lowland and mountain areas.LocationAlpine mountain summits (2616 m to 3418 m a.s.l.) in the southeastern Swiss Alps.MethodsPlant inventories of 48 summits were collected by two independent observers simultaneously. Pseudo‐turnover between observers was compared to species turnover over one century based on historical species lists of the same summits. Variables linked to observer characteristics and external (observer‐independent) factors were tested for their influence on pseudo‐turnover and number of species missed by one of the observers, and plant characteristics were tested for their effect on species detection probability.ResultsMean pseudo‐turnover between observers (13.6%) was almost three times smaller than species turnover over one century (41.4%). Pseudo‐turnover and the number of species missed increased with difference in botanizing time between observers and with a longer ascent to the summit, especially in combination with a high species richness on the summit. Species had a higher probability to be missed if occurring on many summits but with a low abundance, if small in stature and if belonging to certain taxonomic plant groups (e.g. Asteraceae).ConclusionsOur critical evaluation of turnover over time vs pseudo‐turnover confirms that floristic changes on alpine summits over time represent an ecological pattern. In mountainous terrain, factors related to observer characteristics play a major role, as we found the best correspondence between simultaneous records when the difference in botanizing time was small and the ascent was short. Our results help to improve data quality in mountainous terrain by pointing out possible causes for observation bias. Long‐term vegetation studies in alpine ecosystems should make a strong effort to identify and minimize such causes in advance, for instance by reducing between‐observer differences in botanical skills, fitness and time management through appropriate training.