bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fundamental movement skills and weight status in British primary school children
Authors: Bryant Elizabeth S. , Duncan Michael J. , Birch Samantha L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWeight status has been shown to have a negative impact on children's competence in performing fundamental movement skills (FMSs). Following ethics approval and informed consent, 281 children in years 2–6 from a school in central England volunteered to participate. Each child performed eight FMSs (run, hop, gallop, jump, balance, kick, throw and catch) three times, all attempts were video‐recorded. Video analysis was performed (Quintic Biomechanics software) using the Process Orient Checklist (subjective measurement). Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and weight status was determined. Results highlighted that year group (age) had a significant effect on seven out of the eight skills (not kick). Year 4 (aged 8–9 years) significantly scored lower in all three locomotor skills (run, hop and gallop) at this age, whereas Year 5 (aged 9–10 years) all significantly peaked at the object control skills (catch and throw) at this age. Weight status (BMI) significantly affected the run, identifying that a child with a larger BMI will have a lower mastery level of the run. Gender significantly affected the kick, throw and balance, with girls outperforming in the balance and the boys in the kick and throw. By highlighting that children at different ages will have a lower score in different skills, the effect of BMI and gender on certain FMS is important knowledge for the target of intervention in primary school children.
Seasonal Vitamin D Status of Healthy Schoolchildren and Predictors of Low Vitamin D Status
Authors: Karagüzel Gülay , Dilber Beril , Çan Gamze , Ökten Ayşenur , Değer Orhan , Holick Michael F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to assess seasonal prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to sex and to determine the relations between serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and sociodemographic characteristics in otherwise healthy schoolchildren during spring and autumn.Methods:In a cross‐sectional study, 746 healthy students aged between 11 and 18 years were recruited during spring (n = 375) and autumn (n = 371). Sociodemographic data were collected by a questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D, PTH, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase were measured. Serum 25(OH)D levels were categorized as <50 nmol/L (vitamin D deficiency) and <25 nmol/L (severe deficiency).Results:Mean ± standard deviation 25(OH)D levels were 22.3 ± 10.5 nmol/L in girls and 28.5 ± 17.0 nmol/L in boys during spring (P < 0.001) and 36.5 ± 20.3 nmol/L in girls and 45.0 ± 18.5 nmol/L in boys during autumn (P < 0.001). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 93% during spring and 71% during autumn. There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and PTH levels (P < 0.01). We determined a cutoff point of serum 25(OH)D in which the mean serum PTH concentration began to increase as 35.8 nmol/L (P < 0.0001). The age, sex, and calcium level were found to be independent predictors for vitamin D deficiency.Conclusions:Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among healthy schoolchildren. It is noteworthy that 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in girls and during autumn. We recommend vitamin D supplementation for children in addition to more time spent for outdoor activities for sensible sunlight exposure.
Use of Upper Gastrointestinal Series Before Gastrostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Larson‐Nath Catherine M. , Wagner Amy J. , Goday Praveen S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe studied the use of a preoperative upper gastrointestinal series in children with and without major congenital anomalies undergoing gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) placement. Of 1163 children evaluated, 743 had major anomalies and a total of 39 episodes of malrotation were found. All of the children with malrotation had either major congenital anomalies or cystic fibrosis. Our study suggests that an upper gastrointestinal series may be unnecessary before G‐tube placement in children without other congenital anomalies or cystic fibrosis.
Interaction of Photoperiod and Vernalization Determines Flowering Time of Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Ream Thomas S. , Woods Daniel P. , Schwartz Christopher J. , Sanabria Claudia P. , Mahoy Jill A. , Walters Eric M. , Kaeppler Heidi F. , Amasino Richard M. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Timing of flowering is key to the reproductive success of many plants. In temperate climates, flowering is often coordinated with seasonal environmental cues such as temperature and photoperiod. Vernalization is an example of temperature influencing the timing of flowering and is defined as the process by which a prolonged exposure to the cold of winter results in competence to flower during the following spring. In cereals, three genes (VERNALIZATION1 [VRN1], VRN2, and FLOWERING LOCUS T [FT]) have been identified that influence the vernalization requirement and are thought to form a regulatory loop to control the timing of flowering. Here, we characterize natural variation in the vernalization and photoperiod responses in Brachypodium distachyon, a small temperate grass related to wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare). Brachypodium spp. accessions display a wide range of flowering responses to different photoperiods and lengths of vernalization. In addition, we characterize the expression patterns of the closest homologs of VRN1, VRN2 (VRN2-like [BdVRN2L]), and FT before, during, and after cold exposure as well as in different photoperiods. FT messenger RNA levels generally correlate with flowering time among accessions grown in different photoperiods, and FT is more highly expressed in vernalized plants after cold. VRN1 is induced by cold in leaves and remains high following vernalization. Plants overexpressing VRN1 or FT flower rapidly in the absence of vernalization, and plants overexpressing VRN1 exhibit lower BdVRN2L levels. Interestingly, BdVRN2L is induced during cold, which is a difference in the behavior of BdVRN2L compared with wheat VRN2 during cold.
Identification of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in dermal papilla cells of human scalp hair follicles: TCF4 regulates the proliferation and secretory activity of dermal papilla cell
Authors: Xiong Ya , Liu Yi , Song ZhiQiang , Hao Fei , Yang XiChuan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIt is clear that the dermal papilla cell (DPC), which is located at the bottom of the hair follicle, is a special mesenchymal component, and it plays a leading role in regulating hair follicle development and periodic regeneration. Recent studies showed that the Wnt signaling pathway through β‐catenin (canonical Wnt signaling pathway) is an essential component in maintaining the hair‐inducing activity of the dermal papilla and growth of hair papilla cells. However, the intrinsic pathways and regulating mechanism are largely unknown. In the previous work, we constructed a cDNA subtractive library of DPC and first found that the TCF4 gene, as a key factor of Wnt signaling pathway, was expressed as the upregulated gene of the hair follicle in low‐passage DPC. This study was to explore the role of TCF4 in regulating the proliferation and secretory activity of DPC. We constructed a pcDNA3.0–TCF4 expression vector and transfected it into DPC to achieve stable expression by bangosome 2000. Furthermore, we used the method of chemosynthesis to synthesize three pairs of TCF4 siRNA and transfected them into DPC. Meanwhile, we compared the transfection group and non‐transfection group. We first proposed that there was expression difference in TCF4 in DPC under different biological condition. This study may have a high impact on the molecular mechanism of follicular lesions and provide a new vision for the treatment of clinic diseases.
Pruritus: Do Aδ fibers play a role?
Authors: Tekatas Aslan , Arican Ozer , Guler Sibel , Aynacı Ozer , Dincer Nejla 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNeuropathological and molecular basis of pruritus has not been clarified and the presence of certain specific neural circuits have been proposed. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the role of Aδ fibers in the neural circuits of pruritus by cutaneous silent period (CSP). Thirty‐six patients with chronic idiopathic generalized pruritus and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. CSP and nerve conduction studies of upper and lower extremities were performed in both groups. Latencies of CSP in the upper and lower extremities were observed to be prolonged in the patient group compared with the controls while durations were shortened (all P < 0.001). However, these values were not correlated with sex, age, duration or severity of the disease (all P > 0.05). Our data suggest that pruritus may be developed by a nerve conduction abnormality in the afferent fibers of Aδ, or cortical hypersensitivity, abnormality of the cortical inhibitory mechanisms or lack of inhibition in the intermediate spinal inhibitory neurons generating CSP. This topic needs to be evaluated thoroughly in larger series with more detailed studies.
Phase II study of i.v. interferon‐gamma in Japanese patients with mycosis fungoides
Authors: Sugaya Makoto , Tokura Yoshiki , Hamada Toshihisa , Tsuboi Ryoji , Moroi Yoichi , Nakahara Takeshi , Amano Masahiro , Ishida Syuichi , Watanabe Daisuke , Tani Mamori , Ihn Hironobu , Aoi Jun , Iwatsuki Keiji 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA multisite, open‐label, non‐randomized, single‐arm phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of interferon‐γ in Japanese patients diagnosed with stage IA–IIIA mycosis fungoides (MF). Interferon‐γ was administrated i.v. to 15 patients at a dose of 2 million Japan reference units once daily over 5 days a week for the first 4 weeks, followed by subsequent intermittent injection. The primary efficacy end‐point was the overall skin response during the study as assessed according to the evaluation criteria for chemotherapeutics for malignant skin carcinomas. Of the 15 patients, 11 (73.3%) achieved the objective response. Of the other four patients, three remained on treatment during study with stable disease and one showed disease progression. The median duration of stable disease was not reached but was 170 days or more (range, 29 to ≥253 days). As assessed according to the modified severity weighted assessment tool, nine patients (60.0%) achieved the objective response. The most common drug‐related adverse event (AE) was influenza‐like illness occurring in all patients enrolled, which did not lead to discontinuation of the study. Two serious AE were reported in two patients: aggravation of MF and aggravation of cataract, neither of which was considered directly related to the study drug. The patient with aggravation of MF died 50 days after the initiation of the study treatment. Another patient was withdrawn from the study due to drug‐related cough, which disappeared after discontinuation of the drug. Overall, interferon‐γ was effective and well‐tolerated in Japanese patients with MF.
Democracy in crisis? The declining support for national democracy in European countries, 2007–2011
Authors: Armingeon Klaus , Guthmann Kai 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Great Recession that started in 2007/2008 has been the worst economic downturn since the crisis of the 1930s in Europe. It led to a major sovereign debt crisis, which is arguably the biggest challenge for the European Union (EU) and its common currency. Not since the 1950s have advanced democracies experienced such a dramatic external imposition of austerity and structural reform policies through inter‐ or supranational organisations such as the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or as implicitly requested by international financial markets. Did this massive interference with the room for maneuver of parliaments and governments in many countries erode support for national democracy in the crisis since 2007? Did citizens realise that their national democratic institutions were no longer able to effectively decide on major economic and social policies, on economic and welfare state institutions? And did they react by concluding that this constrained democracy no longer merited further support? These are the questions guiding this article, which compares 26 EU countries in 2007–2011 and re‐analyses 78 national surveys. Aggregate data from these surveys is analysed in a time‐series cross‐section design to examine changes in democratic support at the country level. The hypotheses also are tested at the individual level by estimating a series of cross‐classified multilevel logistic regression models. Support for national democracy – operationalised as satisfaction with the way democracy works and as trust in parliament – declined dramatically during the crisis. This was caused both by international organisations and markets interfering with national democratic procedures and by the deteriorating situation of the national economy as perceived by individual citizens.
Gender, political participation and electoral systems: A cross‐national analysis
Authors: Beauregard Katrine 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article investigates whether the smaller gender gaps in political engagement, found in more proportional electoral systems, translate into smaller gender differences in political participation. Using data from the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, it presents the argument that more proportional systems may send signals that multiple interests are included in the policy‐making process, which may increase women's levels of political participation and thereby reduce gender gaps. Additionally, the article tests for the possibility that a greater number of political parties and the elected representatives they provide act as barriers to political participation that have a greater impact on women's levels of participation than men's. It is argued that women's lower levels of political resources and engagement might create more difficult barriers for them than for men. Results lend little support for the first hypothesis, but a greater confirmation for the second.
Support for radical left ideologies in Europe
Authors: Visser Mark , Lubbers Marcel , Kraaykamp Gerbert , Jaspers Eva 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article examines support for radical left ideologies in 32 European countries. It thus extends the relatively scant empirical research available in this field. The hypotheses tested are derived mainly from group‐interest theory. Data are deployed from the 2002–2010 European Social Surveys (N = 174,868), supplemented by characteristics at the country level. The results show that, also in the new millennium, unemployed people and those with a lower income are more likely to support a radical left ideology. This is only partly explained by their stronger opinion that governments should take measures to reduce income differences. In contrast to expectations, the findings show that greater income inequality within a country is associated with reduced likelihood of an individual supporting a radical left ideology. Furthermore, cross‐national differences in the likelihood of supporting the radical left are strongly associated with whether a country has a legacy of an authoritarian regime.
Diagnostic gene expression biomarkers of coral thermal stress
Authors: Kenkel C. D. , Sheridan C. , Leal M. C. , Bhagooli R. , Castillo K. D. , Kurata N. , McGinty E. , Goulet T. L. , Matz M. V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGene expression biomarkers can enable rapid assessment of physiological conditions in situ, providing a valuable tool for reef managers interested in linking organism physiology with large‐scale climatic conditions. Here, we assessed the ability of quantitative PCR (qPCR)‐based gene expression biomarkers to evaluate (i) the immediate cellular stress response (CSR) of Porites astreoides to incremental thermal stress and (ii) the magnitude of CSR and cellular homeostasis response (CHR) during a natural bleaching event. Expression levels largely scaled with treatment temperature, with the strongest responses occurring in heat‐shock proteins. This is the first demonstration of a ‘tiered’ CSR in a coral, where the magnitude of expression change is proportional to stress intensity. Analysis of a natural bleaching event revealed no signature of an acute CSR in normal or bleached corals, indicating that the bleaching stressor(s) had abated by the day of sampling. Another long‐term stress CHR‐based indicator assay was significantly elevated in bleached corals, although assay values overall were low, suggesting good prospects for recovery. This study represents the first step in linking variation in gene expression biomarkers to stress tolerance and bleaching thresholds in situ by quantifying the severity of ongoing thermal stress and its accumulated long‐term impacts.
Effectiveness and safety of rapid clozapine titration in schizophrenia
Authors: Ifteni P. , Nielsen J. , Burtea V. , Correll C. U. , Kane J. M. , Manu P. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveClinical guidelines recommend slow clozapine dose titration in order to decrease the risk of seizures and hypotension. The recommendation may delay adequate control of severe psychotic symptoms. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of rapid clozapine titration in patients who had been previously exposed to the drug and in patients who received clozapine for the first time after failing to respond to other antipsychotics.MethodAnalysis of hospital course of a consecutive cohort of schizophrenia patients (N = 111) who received 25–100 mg of clozapine as needed every 6 h the first treatment day, followed by upward adjustments of 25–100 mg/day.ResultsSymptom control was obtained with an average dose of 353 ± 174 mg/day after 4.1 ± 3.1 days in the 73 patients previously treated with clozapine. For the 38 patients initially started on other antipsychotics, the average clozapine dose required for symptom control (409 ± 188 mg/day) was reached after 7.1 ± 4.8 days. None of the patients had seizures, severe hypotension or other major adverse reactions.ConclusionIn this naturalistic cohort study rapid clozapine titration appeared safe and effective for the treatment of schizophrenia. The results justify controlled clinical trials of this treatment method.
Lung cancer presenting as thin‐walled cysts: An analysis of 15 cases and review of literature
Authors: Guo Juntang , Liang Chaoyang , Sun Yu'e , Zhou Naikang , Liu Yang , Chu Xiangyang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimLung cancer presenting as cysts is a rare entity in clinical practice. Differential diagnosis is difficult in the benign‐like cyst.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 15 patients who underwent surgery for primary lung cancer presenting as cysts (wall thickness <5 mm) in our department between 2007 and 2012. The whole group underwent postoperative follow‐up.ResultsThe subjects' age ranged from 18 to 80 years with a median age of 58.3 years. Eight cases presented with respiratory symptoms while seven showed abnormal shadows on a chest computed tomography without symptoms. Histological analysis showed that 10 cases were of adenocarcinoma, two of squamous cell carcinoma and one of large cell carcinoma. Two patients died at 13 and 26 months and the remaining 13 patients are alive and disease free at 3–38 months.ConclusionCystic lung cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal benign cyst. Cystic lung cancer could achieve a good outcome if early diagnosis can be obtained.
Growth charts and long‐term sequelae in extreme preterm infants – from full‐term age to 10 years
Authors: Horemuzova Eva , Åmark Per , Jacobson Lena , Söder Olle , Hagenäs Lars 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo describe growth pattern from full‐term age to 10 years in infants born before 26 weeks of gestation.MethodThis retrospective longitudinal cohort contained 123 children from Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, during 1990–2002. Length/height (Ht), weight (Wt) and head circumference (HC) were recorded monthly during the first year, every 3 months until 2 years and yearly thereafter, but HC at 15 months and at median age of 8.1/9.7 years (range 2–14) in boys/girls.ResultsFor boys/girls at birth, the mean Z‐score for Ht was −0.2/−0.2, for Wt 0.0/−0.2 and for HC 0.0/−0.3. At term, the mean Z‐score for Ht was −3.8/−3.1, for Wt −3.0/−2.5 and for HC −1.7/−1.2. At 1 year, the mean Z‐score for Ht was−1.3/−1.3, for Wt −1.9/−1.7 and for HC −1.2/−1.0. At 2 years, the mean Z‐score for Ht was −1.3/−1.1, for Wt −1.6/−1.2 and at 10 years for Ht −0.7/−0.4; that was on average −0.3 below mid‐parental height; for Wt −0.2/−0.2. Long‐term sequelae were found in 48% of the boys and 34% of the girls.ConclusionBy 10 years of age, the attained mean Ht was in accordance with their genetic potential and almost half of these children had significant long‐term sequelae.
Association of thalamic serotonin transporter and interleukin‐10 in bipolar I disorder: a SPECT study
Authors: Hsu Ju‐Wei , Lirng Jiing‐Feng , Wang Shyh‐Jen , Lin Chun‐Lung , Yang Kai‐Chun , Liao Mei‐Hsiu , Chou Yuan‐Hwa 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesThe serotonin hypothesis plays a critical role in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). Although many studies have demonstrated reciprocal relationships between serotonin metabolism and immune‐inflammatory pathways that occur in depression, studies linking serotonergic function and cytokines are still limited concerning BD. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of brain serotonin transporter (SERT) and cytokines in BD.MethodsTwenty patients with euthymic BD and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Single photon emission computed tomography with the radiotracer 123I‐ADAM was used for the SERT imaging. The specific uptake ratio, which represents SERT availability, was the primary measured outcome. Cytokines included the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Cytokine concentration was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSERT availability was significantly lower in the midbrain and caudate of patients with BD compared with HC, but not in the thalamus and putamen. IL‐10 was significantly higher, whereas TNF‐α was not different in euthymic patients with BD compared with HC. There was a significant association of SERT availability and IL‐10 in the thalamus, but not in the midbrain, caudate, or putamen.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the interaction of SERT availability and IL‐10 in euthymic BD. This result may further explain the role of SERT and cytokines in the etiology of BD.