bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D supplementation and mortality risk in chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis of 20 observational studies
Authors: Zheng Zhenfeng , Shi Huilan , Jia Junya , Li Dong , Lin Shan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D insufficiency correlates with mortality risk among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The survival benefits of active vitamin D treatment have been assessed in patients with CKD not requiring dialysis and in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrance Library, and article reference lists were searched for relevant observational trials. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) checklist. Pooled effects were calculated as hazard ratios (HR) using random-effects models.

Results
Twenty studies (11 prospective cohorts, 6 historical cohorts and 3 retrospective cohorts) were included in the meta-analysis., Participants receiving vitamin D had lower mortality compared to those with no treatment (adjusted case mixed baseline model: HR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.67-0.82; P <0.001; time-dependent Cox model: HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; P <0.001). Participants that received calcitriol (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.50-0.79; P <0.001) and paricalcitol (HR, 0.43 95% CI, 0.29-0.63; P <0.001) had a lower cardiovascular mortality. Patients receiving paricalcitol had a survival advantage over those that received calcitriol (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; P <0.001).

Conclusions
Vitamin D treatment was associated with decreased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD not requiring dialysis and patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. There was a slight difference in survival depending on the type of vitamin D analogue. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the survival benefits of vitamin D.
Detection of the GPI-anchorless prion protein fragment PrP226* in human brain
Authors: Dvorakova Eva , Vranac Tanja , Janouskova Olga , Černilec Maja , Koren Simon , Lukan Anja , Nováková Jana , Matej Radoslav , Holada Karel , Čurin Šerbec Vladka 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The accumulation of the misfolded forms of cellular prion protein, i.e. prions (PrPSc), in the brain is one of the crucial characteristics of fatal neurodegenerative disorders, called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Cellular prion protein is normally linked to the cell surface by the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. There is accumulating evidence that the GPI-anchorless prion protein may act as an accelerator of formation and propagation of prions. In the TSE affected human brain we have previously discovered a novel GPI-anchorless prion protein fragment, named PrP226*, which ends with the tyrosine 226. This fragment can be labeled specifically by the monoclonal antibody V5B2.

Methods
We developed a DELFIA based assay for quick and sensitive detection of the PrP226* fragment in human brain tissue homogenates. By calculating the ratio between the signals of native (N) and denatured (D) samples applied to the assay we were able to observe significant difference between 24 TSE affected brains and 10 control brains. The presence of PrP226* in brain tissue was confirmed by western blot.

Results
Our results demonstrate that PrP226* is present in small quantities in healthy human brain, whereas in degenerated brain it accumulates in prion aggregates, proportionally to PrPSc. Samples with high D/N ratio generally comprised more proteinase K resistant PrP, while no correlation was found between the quantity of PrP226* and standard classification of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Conclusions
In the present study we show that the PrP226* fragment accumulates in prion aggregates and after being released from them by a denaturation procedure, could serve as a proteinase K digestion independent biomarker for human TSEs. The PrP226* assay described in this paper offers a tool to follow and study this unique anchorless PrP fragment in various parts of human brain and possibly also in other tissues and body fluids.
Regular three-dimensional presentations improve in the identification of surgical liver anatomy – a randomized study
Authors: Müller-Stich Beat P , Löb Nicole , Wald Diana , Bruckner Thomas , Meinzer Hans-Peter , Kadmon Martina , Büchler Markus W , Fischer Lars 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Three-dimensional (3D) presentations enhance the understanding of complex anatomical structures. However, it has been shown that two dimensional (2D) “key views” of anatomical structures may suffice in order to improve spatial understanding. The impact of real 3D images (3Dr) visible only with 3D glasses has not been examined yet. Contrary to 3Dr, regular 3D images apply techniques such as shadows and different grades of transparency to create the impression of 3D.
This randomized study aimed to define the impact of both the addition of key views to CT images (2D+) and the use of 3Dr on the identification of liver anatomy in comparison with regular 3D presentations (3D).

Methods
A computer-based teaching module (TM) was used. Medical students were randomized to three groups (2D+ or 3Dr or 3D) and asked to answer 11 anatomical questions and 4 evaluative questions. Both 3D groups had animated models of the human liver available to them which could be moved in all directions.

Results
156 medical students (57.7% female) participated in this randomized trial. Students exposed to 3Dr and 3D performed significantly better than those exposed to 2D+ (p < 0.01, ANOVA). There were no significant differences between 3D and 3Dr and no significant gender differences (p > 0.1, t-test). Students randomized to 3D and 3Dr not only had significantly better results, but they also were significantly faster in answering the 11 anatomical questions when compared to students randomized to 2D+ (p < 0.03, ANOVA). Whether or not “key views” were used had no significant impact on the number of correct answers (p > 0.3, t-test).

Conclusion
This randomized trial confirms that regular 3D visualization improve the identification of liver anatomy.
Variations in ncRNA gene LOC284889 and MIF-794CATT repeats are associated with malaria susceptibility in Indian populations
Authors: Jha Aditya N , Sundaravadivel Pandarisamy , Pati Sudhanshu S , Patra Pradeep K , Thangaraj Kumarasamy 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere are increasing evidences on the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) as key regulator of cellular homeostasis.LOC284889is an uncharacterized ncRNA gene on reverse strand toMIFmapped to 22q11.23. MIF, a lymphokine, regulates innate immune response by up-regulating the expression ofTLR4, suppressing the p53 activity and has been shown to be involved in malaria pathogenesis.MethodsIn this study, the possible effect ofMIFvariations on malaria susceptibility was investigated by re-sequencing the completeMIFgene along with 1 kb each of 5′ and 3′ region in 425 individuals from malaria endemic regions of the Orissa and Chhattisgarh states of India. The subjects comprised of 160 cases of severe malaria, 101 of mild malaria and 164 ethnically matched asymptomatic controls. Data were statistically compared between cases and controls for their possible association withPlasmodium falciparummalarial outcome.ResultsIt is the first study, which shows that the alleleA(rs34383331T > A) in ncRNA is significantly associated with increased risk toP. falciparummalaria [severe: OR = 2.08, p = 0.002 and mild: OR = 2.09, P = 0.005]. In addition, it has been observed that the higherMIF-794CATTrepeats (>5) increases malaria risk (OR = 1.61, p = 0.01). Further, diplotype (MIF-794CATTand rs34383331T > A)5 Tconfers protection to severe malaria (OR = 0.55, p = 0.002) while6A(OR = 3.07, p = 0.001) increases malaria risk.ConclusionsThese findings support the involvement of ncRNA in malarial pathogenesis and further emphasize the complex genetic regulation of malaria outcome. In addition, the study shows that the higherMIF-794CATTrepeats (>5) is a risk factor for severe malaria. The study would help in identifying people who are at higher risk to malaria and adapt strategies for prevention and treatment.
The effects of a medical hypnotherapy on clothing industry employees suffering from chronic pain
Authors: Roja Zenija , Kalkis Valdis , Roja Inara , Kalkis Henrijs 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Problems associated with pain in several body regions due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), repetitive movement and negative stress at work are quite common in many manufacturing industries of Latvia, int.al. clothing industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of the psychotherapeutic intervention using medical hypnotherapy (MH) program for mind-body relaxation with pain-blocking imagery, cognitive restructuring of unpleasant physical and emotional experience.

Methods
300 sewers and 50 cutters with chronic pain were involved in the study. Self-rated WRMDs symptoms, pain intensity and interference were assessed using the extended version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Brief Pain Inventory Scale. Assessment of the functional state of muscles was carried out using myotonometric (MYO) measurements. Work heaviness degree was estimated via heart rate monitoring (HRM). The MH program was composed of cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training. Sunnen Trance Scale was used to determine person’s hypnotic susceptibility. Life quality assessment before and after MH program was carried out using Quality of Life Scale.

Results
At the beginning of MH program sessions both sewers and cutters reported on pain interference with general activities, mood, sleep, normal work, etc., but after MH the interference of pain significantly decreased. HRM data confirmed that work heaviness degree of sewers and cutters can be referred to as light and moderate work (energy expenditure for their tasks varies from 3.4 till 4.7 kcal/min). Using MYO measurements it was stated that before MH 22% of workers involved in the study fell under III MYO category indices, consequently, their muscle tone was increased, which is associated with muscular fatigue. After MH muscle tone remained within the normal range meaning that they were able to adapt to the existing workload (II MYO category) or fully relax (I MYO category).

Conclusions
MH program including exercises-workouts, cognitive hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis training sessions is an effective method to decrease composite chronic pain intensity for sewers and cutters, as well as to decrease psychogenic tension and muscle fatigue (proved by objective measurements of muscles tone) and to increase the life quality.
An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Wayu Tuka District, East Welega Zone of Oromia Regional State, West Ethiopia
Authors: Megersa Moa , Asfaw Zemede , Kelbessa Ensermu , Beyene Abebe , Woldeab Bizuneh 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Background
This paper reports an ethnobotanical study that focused on the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities to treat human and livestock ailments. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from September 2009 to June 2010 in Wayu Tuka District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The aim of the study is to document medicinal plants used by local people of the study area and the threats currently affecting medicinal plants.

Methods
Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations and group discussion in which 63 (41 men & 22 women) randomly selected informants participated. Of which, 11 (10 male and 1 female) were local healers. Paired comparison method, direct matrix ranking and Informant consensus factors (ICF) were used to analyze the importance of some plant species.

Results
A total of 126 medicinal plant species, distributed in 108 genera and 56 families, were collected together with their medicinal uses. Of the 126 species of medicinal plants collected from the study area, eighty six (68%) were obtained from the wild whereas thirty three (26%) were from homegardens. The Fabaceae came out as a leading family with 15 medicinal species while the Solanaceae followed with eight species. Seventy eight (62%) of the medicinal plants were reported as being used for treating human ailments, 23 (18.2%) for the treatment of livestock ailments and 25 (20%) for both. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (43%), followed by roots (18.5%) while crushing, which accounted for (29%) and powdering (28%) were the widely used methods of preparation of traditional herbal medicines.

Conclusion
The number of reported medicinal plants and their uses by the local people of the District indicate the depth of the local indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and their application. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for future investigation of modern drug.
Multifocal infections of the musculoskeletal system: description of a safe one-step procedure for eradication of associated spinal infections
Authors: Voelker Anna , von der Hoeh Nicolas H , Gulow Jens , Tschoeke Sven Kevin , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after radical surgical treatment of multifocal infections involving the spine.

Methods
The study demonstrates a retrospective chart review of seven patients who had more than three different abscesses in the musculoskeletal system and at least one of them in the area of the spinal column. All patients had a sepsis.

Results
Beside different musculoskeletal abscesses four patients had a spondylodiscitis in the cervical spine segments C4/5 or C5/6. Six patients had inflammatory processes in the lumbar spine with epidural abscesses, diffuse thoracolumbar paravertebral abscesses and a spondylodiscitis in different segments. In all cases we performed a radical surgical treatment of all related inflammatory focuses. Prompt radical surgical treatment of the spine included decompression, debridement and in the cases of spondylodiscitis a fusion of the involved segments. For more than one focus at the spine, a surgical one-step procedure was performed. An antibiotic therapy was administered for six to eight weeks. In follow up examinations no signs of ongoing inflammatory processes were seen in imaging studies or laboratory tests.

Conclusions
In the event of multiple abscesses of the musculoskeletal system involving the spine an early correct diagnosis and radical surgical treatment is recommended. We strongly favor a surgical single-stage procedure for treatment of multiple infections of the spine. In addition to a radical debridement and a sufficient decompression, the segmental fusion of affected areas in spondylodiscitis is essential. At the same time a surgical therapy of all other infected sites should be performed.
The perspectives of iranian physicians and patients towards patient decision aids: a qualitative study
Authors: Rashidian Hamideh , Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza , Gholami Jaleh , Haghjou Leila , Abdollahi Bahar Sadeghi , Davatchi Fereydoun , Rashidian Arash 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Patient preference is one of the main components of clinical decision making, therefore leading to the development of patient decision aids. The goal of this study was to describe physicians’ and patients’ viewpoints on the barriers and limitations of using patient decision aids in Iran, their proposed solutions, and, the benefits of using these tools.

Methods
This qualitative study was conducted in 2011 in Iran by holding in-depth interviews with 14 physicians and 8 arthritis patient. Interviewees were selected through purposeful and maximum variation sampling. As an example, a patient decision aid on the treatment of knee arthritis was developed upon literature reviews and gathering expert opinion, and was presented at the time of interview. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data by using the OpenCode software.

Results
The results were summarized into three categories and ten codes. The extracted categories were the perceived benefits of using the tools, as well as the patient-related and physician-related barriers in using decision aids. The following barriers in using patient decision aids were identified in this study: lack of patients and physicians’ trainings in shared decision making, lack of specialist per capita, low treatment tariffs and lack of an exact evaluation system for patient participation in decision making.

Conclusions
No doubt these barriers demand the health authorities’ special attention. Hence, despite patients and physicians’ inclination toward using patient decision aids, these problems have hindered the practical usage of these tools in Iran - as a developing country.
An alternative kernel-based method for estimating copepod growth rates from multimodal biomass distributions in artificial cohort experiments
Authors: Lin Kuan-Yu , Sastri Akash R , Hsieh Chih-hao 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundElucidating copepod growth and production rates is important in understanding the trophic role of copepods in marine systems. One of the most commonly used field methods for measuring copepod growth rates is the artificial cohort method.ResultsAn ‘artificial cohort’ is established by limiting the incubated animals to relatively narrow size ranges or developmental stages. Thus, one can measure the change in body weight (BW; attributed to body growth) between the start and conclusion of incubation by following the shift in the biomass distribution. The critical issue here is determining how to describe the biomass distribution before and after incubation in a mathematically concise manner. Traditionally, the mean value of the biomass distribution is used as the representative BW, which assumes that the biomass distribution follows a unimodal distribution. However, in practice, the complex composition of copepod communities can commonly yield observations of multimodal distributions. To overcome this difficulty, we suggest that the representative BW of copepod communities be estimated by multiple-peak consideration instead of using the average value. Specifically, we used a kernel-based approach to determine peak values; as such, only BW values associated with a high frequency were used to determine the representative BW.ConclusionsThrough a comparison of different methods, we show that the multiple-peak consideration yielded a higher proportion of realistic growth rate values. In addition, we noted that growth rates estimated with the multiple-peak method were more closely aligned with predictions based on the metabolic theory of ecology.
A reform agenda for improving the delivery of ALMPs in the MENA region
Authors: Angel-Urdinola Diego F , Leon-Solano Rene A 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Given the labor market challenges that countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are facing (notably high unemployment, prevalence of skills mismatches, low labor market mobility, and lack of formal employment networks), Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) could be a relevant policy instrument to assist unemployed individuals find jobs. This study first introduces a conceptual framework for ALMPs and describes their overall impact on employment outcomes. The study then reviews the provision of ALMPs in a selected group of countries in the MENA region, with a focus on public provision through existing public employment agencies. The study also presents the results of some of the few available robust evaluations of AMLPs the region, in a context where information about program effectiveness and efficiency is largely lacking. Finally, the study identifies key challenges in the delivery of publicly provided ALMPs in MENA countries, namely poor administrative capacity, system fragmentation, lack of governance and accountability, regulation bottlenecks, and flaws in program design. To address these challenges, the study proposes a reform agenda based on a four-pillar policy framework: (i) develop results-based Public Private Partnerships (PPPs); (ii) promote systems and program integration; (iii) develop results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks; and (iv) promote entrepreneurship/self-employment, on-the-job training and life skills training among job seekers.

JEL codes

J20, J30, J40, J50
GABAB receptors play an essential role in maintaining sleep during the second half of the night in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gmeiner Florian , Kołodziejczyk Agata , Yoshii Taishi , Rieger Dirk , Nässel Dick R. , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARY
GABAergic signalling is important for normal sleep in humans and flies. Here we advance the current understanding of GABAergic modulation of daily sleep patterns by focusing on the role of slow metabotropic GABAB receptors in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We asked whether GABAB-R2 receptors are regulatory elements in sleep regulation in addition to the already identified fast ionotropic Rdl GABAA receptors. By immunocytochemical and reporter-based techniques we show that the pigment dispersing factor (PDF)-positive ventrolateral clock neurons (LNv) express GABAB-R2 receptors. Downregulation of GABAB-R2 receptors in the large PDF neurons (l-LNv) by RNAi reduced sleep maintenance in the second half of the night, whereas sleep latency at the beginning of the night that was previously shown to depend on ionotropic Rdl GABAA receptors remained unaltered. Our results confirm the role of the l-LNv neurons as an important part of the sleep circuit in D. melanogaster and also identify the GABAB-R2 receptors as the thus far missing component in GABA-signalling that is essential for sleep maintenance. Despite the significant effects on sleep, we did not observe any changes in circadian behaviour in flies with downregulated GABAB-R2 receptors, indicating that the regulation of sleep maintenance via l-LNv neurons is independent of their function in the circadian clock circuit.
Fluorescent Micropatterning of Betainized Zwitterionic Polymer Bearing Mussel-inspired Catechol Moiety and Borondipyttomethane Fluorophores
Authors: Mosaiab Tamim , Lee Myoung Sub , Lee So Yeong , In Insik , Park Sung Young 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Zwitterionic fluorescent polymers (ZFPs) are developed by using poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate), NIPAAm, and BODIPY fluorophores to examine the patterning characteristics based on mussel-inspired surface modification. Water contact angle measurements of ZFP show changes in the angle upon altering the pH. The ZFP was developed on PDMS stamps and imprinted onto a glass substrate, which provided a green fluorescent micropattern under a fluorescence microscope, making the ZFP a powerful tool for development of a useful patterned substrate for various applications.