bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokines and Chemokines in Neuromyelitis Optica: Pathogenetic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Masahiro Mori , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by severe optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of an NMO‐specific autoantibody to the aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) water channel has improved knowledge of NMO pathogenesis. Many studies have focused on inflammatory and pathological biomarkers of NMO, including cytokines and chemokines. Increased concentrations of T helper (Th)17‐ and Th2‐related cytokines and chemokines may be essential factors for developing NMO inflammatory lesions. For example, interleukin‐6 could play important roles in NMO pathogenesis, as it is involved in the survival of plasmablasts that produce anti‐AQP4 antibody in peripheral circulation and in the enhancement of inflammation in the central nervous system. Therefore, assessment of these useful biomarkers may become a supportive criterion for diagnosing NMO. Significant advances in the understanding of NMO pathogenesis will lead to the development of novel treatment strategies. This review focuses on the current advances in NMO immunological research, particularly that of cytokines and chemokines.
The influence of foetal prednisone exposure on the cortisol levels in the offspring
Authors: de Steenwinkel Florentien D. O. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. , Hazes Johanna M. W. , Dolhain Radboud J. E. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivePregnant women suffering from autoimmune disease use glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids can partly diffuse to the foetus and may influence the development of the foetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, especially in early stage of pregnancy. The objective was to investigate whether prednisone exposure in utero influences the cortisol levels of the prepubertal children.DesignMothers participated in a prospective cohort study on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pregnancy. Children were exposed (n = 44) or nonexposed (n = 65) to prednisone in utero. Salivary cortisol levels were taken from all children during 1 day: at awakening, 30 min after awakening, 1 p.m. and bedtime. Cortisol levels between groups were also analysed using area under the curve (AUC), cortisol awakening response (CAR) and slope.ResultsThe mean age (SD) of the children was 6·98 (1·23). The difference in mean (SD) cortisol level at ‘1 p.m.’ was 5·42 nm (4·08) in the prednisone‐exposed and 3·97 nm (4·00) in the nonexposed (P = 0·03). Prednisone‐exposed children had a higher AUC (β = 13·28; P = 0·02), even after correction for RA disease activity. No differences were found on CAR, slope or blood pressure. The cortisol levels of the nonexposed were more similar to the age‐specific references than the prednisone‐exposed.ConclusionPrednisone use during pregnancy is associated with a higher daytime cortisol level, in the prepubertal offspring, not yet accompanied with clinical outcomes. This conclusion will have no consequences at this moment, but it does raise questions concerning prednisone exposure in utero and the long‐term consequences for the offspring.
Using the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire to identify obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a sleep clinic population
Authors: Westerlund Anna , Brandt Lena , Harlid Richard , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Trolle Lagerros Ylva 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionIn Scandinavia, portable monitoring has virtually replaced standard polysomnography for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Because waiting times for specialized OSAS care remain long, an accurate screening tool to exclude low‐risk patients from diagnostic testing would be valuable.ObjectivesTo examine the diagnostic accuracy of the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire (KSQ) for OSAS.MethodsConsecutive patients, 30–66 years old, attending a large sleep clinic in Sweden for OSAS evaluation completed the KSQ and underwent in‐home portable monitoring and medical history evaluation. OSAS was defined as apnea‐hypopnea index ≥5 with symptoms of disease. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of apnea/snoring and sleepiness indices of the KSQ. Retrospectively, we combined six KSQ items (snoring, breathing cessations, disturbed sleep, etc.) and four clinical variables (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status) predictive of OSAS into a new instrument, which we also evaluated. Instrument score ranged between 0 and 21; a higher score indicated more severe symptoms.ResultsOf 103 patients, 62 were diagnosed with OSAS. Sensitivity and specificity of the indices were 0.56 and 0.68 (apnea/snoring), and 0.37 and 0.71 (sleepiness). The new instrument performed optimally at a score of 9. Sensitivity was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.63–0.86) and specificity 0.88 (0.74–0.96). Between 19.4% and 50.5% of patients were unaware of having apnea/snoring symptoms.ConclusionsDiagnostic accuracy of the apnea/snoring and sleepiness indices for OSAS was poor but could be improved by combining clinical and KSQ items. The usefulness of the apnea/snoring index and the combined instrument was questionable because of extensive symptom unawareness.
Hypovitaminosis D in patients with cystic fibrosis: a cross‐section study in South Brazil
Authors: Marcondes Natália Aydos , Raimundo Fabiana Viegas , Vanacor Roberta , Corte Bruno Pellini , Ascoli Aline Maria , de Azambuja Aline Zimmermann , Scopel Luciano , dos Santos Patrícia Vargas , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth , Rotta Liane Nanci , Furlanetto Tania Weber , Faulhaber Gustavo Adolpho Moreira 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionCystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency because of nutrient malabsorption.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in CF patients and the factors associated with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels.MethodsWe evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency defined as 25‐hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/mL, as suggested recently by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and factors associated with its serum levels. Patients with confirmed CF were included. Nutritional status and hospital admissions were evaluated. Serum C‐reactive protein, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry, and clinical and chest radiographic scores were assessed. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.ResultsFifty‐nine patients were included. Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 61%. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had a trend to have higher vitamin D levels. Sixteen patients had severe lung disease with percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s predicted below 40%. After multivariate analysis, body mass index and hospitalization in the last month remained significantly associated with serum vitamin D levels.ConclusionsVitamin D insufficiency is still a problem in CF patients, even in those receiving supplementation.
Temporal changes in artificial light exposure of marine turtle nesting areas
Authors: Kamrowski Ruth L. , Limpus Col , Jones Rhondda , Anderson Sharolyn , Hamann Mark 
Published: December 2013

AbstractArtificial light at night poses a significant threat to multiple taxa across the globe. In coastal regions, artificial lighting close to marine turtle nesting beaches is disruptive to their breeding success. Prioritizing effective management of light pollution requires an understanding of how the light exposure of nesting areas changes over time in response to changing temporal and spatial distributions of coastal development. We analyzed multitemporal, satellite night‐light data, in combination with linear mixed model analysis, to determine broadscale changes in artificial light exposure at Australian marine turtle nesting areas between 1993 and 2010. We found seven marine turtle management units (MU), from five species, have experienced significant increases in light exposure over time, with flatback turtles nesting in east Australia experiencing the fastest increases. The remaining 12 MUs showed no significant change in light exposure. Unchanging MUs included those previously identified as having high exposure to light pollution (located in western Australia and southern Queensland), indicating that turtles in these areas have been potentially exposed to high light levels since at least the early nineties. At a finer geographic scale (within‐MU), nine MUs contained nesting areas with significant increases in light exposure. These nesting areas predominantly occurred close to heavily industrialized coastal areas, thus emphasizing the importance of rigorous light management in industry. Within all MUs, nesting areas existed where light levels were extremely low and/or had not significantly increased since 1993. With continued coastal development, nesting females may shift to these darker/unchanging ‘buffer’ areas in the future. This is valuable information that informs our understanding of the capacity and resilience of marine turtles faced with coastal development: an understanding that is essential for effective marine turtle conservation.
Extremely obese children respond better than extremely obese adolescents to lifestyle interventions
Authors: Knop C. , Singer V. , Uysal Y. , Schaefer A. , Wolters B. , Reinehr T. 
Published: December 2013

Summary
What is already known about this subject
Lifestyle intervention is regarded as therapy of choice in obese children and adolescents.
It is unclear whether extremely obese children and adolescents respond to lifestyle intervention.

What this study adds
Extremely obese children respond better than obese children to a lifestyle intervention.
In contrast, most extremely obese adolescents achieved no weight loss in lifestyle intervention suggesting that other treatment approaches are needed for them.
BackgroundThere are conflicting results of treating extreme obesity in childhood by lifestyle interventions in the literature.MethodsWe analysed the outcome of a 1‐year lifestyle intervention in an intention‐to‐treat approach in 1291 children (mean age 11.0 ± 2.5 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 27.5 ± 4.7 kg m−2, 55.8% female, 62.4% obese, 37.6% extremely obese (defined by BMI‐SDS >2.3) at end of intervention and 1 year later.ResultsThe mean BMI‐SDS reduction was −0.20 ± 0.32 at end of intervention and −0.14 ± 0.37 1 year after end of intervention compared to baseline (comparing intervention vs. 1 year later P = 0.010). Extremely obese children ≤10 years demonstrated a significantly greater BMI‐SDS reduction than obese children ≤10 years (−0.24 ± 0.38 vs. −0.16 ± 0.38, P = 0.021). Extremely obese adolescents >10 years demonstrated a significantly lower BMI‐SDS reduction compared to obese adolescents >10 years (−0.05 ± 0.30 vs. −0.15 ± 0.39, P < 0.001). Comparing the BMI‐SDS reduction between obese children <10 years and >10 years revealed no significant difference (P = 0.195) in contrast to the comparison between extremely obese children <10 years and >10 years (P < 0.001). The same findings were observed in the follow‐up period after the end of intervention.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated an encouraging effect of lifestyle intervention in extremely obese children ≤10 years at the end of intervention and 1 year later, but only a limited effect in extremely obese adolescents >10 years.
Recommendations Abstracted from the American Geriatrics Society Consensus Statement on Vitamin D for Prevention of Falls and Their Consequences
Authors:   American Geriatrics Society Workgroup on Vitamin D Supplementation for Older Adults
Published: December 2013

The goal of this Consensus Statement is to help primary care practitioners achieve adequate vitamin D intake from all sources in their older patients, with the goal of reducing falls and fall‐related injuries. The workgroup graded the quality of evidence and assigned an evidence level using established criteria. Based on the evidence for fall and fracture reduction in the clinical trials of older community‐dwelling and institutionalized persons and metaanalyses, the workgroup concluded that a serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) should be a minimum goal to achieve in older adults, particularly in frail adults, who are at higher risk of falls, injuries, and fractures. The workgroup concluded that the goal—to reduce fall injuries related to low vitamin D status—could be achieved safely and would not require practitioners to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations in older adults in the absence of underlying conditions that increase the risk of hypercalcemia (e.g., advanced renal disease, certain malignancies, sarcoidosis).
Serum C‐Reactive Protein as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Dogs with Bacterial Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Viitanen S.J. , Laurila H.P. , Lilja‐Maula L.I. , Melamies M.A. , Rantala M. , Rajamäki M.M. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute‐phase protein in dogs. Serum concentrations are low in healthy animals, but increase rapidly after inflammatory stimuli.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate CRP concentrations in various respiratory diseases of dogs and to determine if CRP can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of bacterial respiratory diseases.AnimalsA total of 106 privately owned dogs with respiratory diseases (17 with bacterial tracheobronchitis [BTB], 20 with chronic bronchitis [CB], 20 with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy [EBP], 12 with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [CIPF], 15 with cardiogenic pulmonary edema [CPE], and 22 with bacterial pneumonia [BP]) and 72 healthy controls.MethodsThe study was conducted as a prospective cross‐sectional observational study. CRP was measured in serum samples. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic imaging, and selected diagnostic methods such as cytological and microbiological analysis of respiratory samples, echocardiography, and histopathology.ResultsDogs with BP had significantly higher CRP concentrations (median, 121 mg/L; interquartile range, 68–178 mg/L) than dogs with BTB (23, 15–38, P = .0003), CB (13, 8–14, P < .0001), EBP (5, 5–15, P < .0001), CIPF (17, 10–20, P < .0001), or CPE (19, 13–32, P < .0001) and healthy controls (14, 8–20, P < .0001). Dogs with BTB had significantly higher CRP concentrations than dogs with CB (P = .001) or EBP (P < .0001) and healthy controls (P = .029).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThese results indicate that CRP has potential for use as an additional biomarker, especially in the diagnostics of BP.
The feasibility of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cho Ju‐Yeon , Paik Yong‐Han , Park Hee Chul , Yu Jeong Il , Sohn Won , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Yoo Byung Chul 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsSorafenib is regarded as the standard treatment of care in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C patients. However, the modest overall survival (OS) and disease control rate warrants for a better treatment modality. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy (TACE+RT) in comparison with sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods and MaterialsFrom 2007 to 2011, a total of 116 patients with locally advanced HCC were retrospectively enrolled. Sixty‐seven patients treated with TACE+RT were compared with 49 patients treated with sorafenib. Propensity score matching generated a matched cohort composed of 27 patients from each group. OS was the primary endpoint for the analysis.ResultsAt baseline, the sorafenib group had a tendency for a tumour size ≥10 cm, presence of lymph node metastasis and main portal vein tumour thrombosis compared to the TACE+RT group. The OS in the TACE+RT group was significantly longer compared to the sorafenib group (14.1 months vs. 3.3 months, P < 0.001). In the propensity score‐matched cohort, baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The TACE+RT group showed prolonged OS compared to the sorafenib group (6.7 months vs. 3.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TACE+RT was the only independent prognostic factor associated with survival in the propensity score‐matched cohort (HR = 0.172, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe OS of TACE+RT was longer compared to sorafenib treatment in locally advanced HCC patients without distant metastasis. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Fine‐scale diversity and distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium in a Scots pine forest
Authors: Anderson Ian C. , Genney David R. , Alexander Ian J. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) mycelium is a key component of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, yet we know little regarding the fine‐scale diversity and distribution of mycelium in ECM fungal communities.

We collected four 20 × 20 × 2‐cm3 (800‐cm3) slices of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest soil and divided each into 100 2 × 2 × 2‐cm3 (8‐cm3) cubes. The presence of mycelium of ECM fungi was determined using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) database terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) approach.

As expected, many more ECM fungi were detected as mycelium than as ectomycorrhizas in a cube or slice. More surprisingly, up to one‐quarter of the 43 species previously detected as ectomycorrhizas over an area of 400 m2 could be detected in a single 8‐cm3 cube, and up to three‐quarters in a single 800‐cm3 slice. ECM mycelium frequency decreased markedly with depth and there were distinct ‘hotspots’ of mycelium in the moss/F1 layer.

Our data demonstrate a high diversity of ECM mycelium in a small (8‐cm3) volume of substrate, and indicate that the spatial scale at which ECM species are distributed as mycelium may be very different from the spatial scale at which they are distributed as tips.
Inorganic Nutrient Supplements Constrain Restoration Potential of Seedlings of the Seagrass, Posidonia australis
Authors: Statton John , Kendrick Gary A. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Cambridge Marion L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSeed represents a potentially ecologically sustainable source of planting units for restoring seagrasses, particularly for seagrasses where transplanting negatively impacts donor beds. However, newly germinated seeds may be nutrient limited as their underdeveloped root systems may constrain capacity to access sediment‐based resources. We conducted a study in land‐based aquaculture tanks to determine whether early growth of newly germinated Posidonia australis seedlings could be enhanced by adding inorganic nutrients to the sediment. Sediments were supplemented with nitrogen and phosphorus in a factorial design (no nutrients, N, P, N + P). Shoot survival, whole shoot biomass, root morphology, root architecture, and nutrient concentration of seedlings were assessed monthly for the first 4 months after germination. More than 90% of seedlings survived during the 4 months of the experiment, irrespective of nutrient treatment. Growth of P. australis seedlings was not enhanced by addition of N or P to the sediment despite nutrient uptake occurring. Seedling growth was found to be more dependent on seed nutrient reserves rather than external nutrient sources for at least the first 4 months after germination. Adding inorganic nutrients to the sediment also significantly reduced the development of the seedling root system in terms of biomass, length, and density of lateral root branches. This study demonstrated that inorganic nutrient supplements constrain root development and therefore capacity for successful anchorage of seagrass seedlings, and pose a significant limitation on seedling establishment when transferred to the field, as well as potentially limiting natural and transplanted seedling establishment in eutrophic sediments.
Pressure or Information? Lobbying for Binding Renewable Energy Targets in theEuropeanUnion
Authors: Gullberg Anne Therese 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article analyzes theEuropean renewable energy industry's capacity for pressure‐based and information‐based lobbying and its strategies in two lobbying efforts: for a legally binding target of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 (a proposal adopted by theEuropeanCouncil inMarch 2007) and for binding interim targets as a means to secure effective implementation of the 2020 target (a proposal that was not adopted). It finds that the industry has the capacity for information‐based lobbying but very limited capacity for pressure‐based lobbying. The article also discusses the effectiveness of the two lobbying types. It argues that information‐based lobbying is particularly effective early in the decision‐making process, and hypothesizes that early information‐based lobbying may compensate for limited capacity for pressure‐based lobbying and for information‐based lobbying that takes place later in the decision‐making process, but concludes that this strategy would have been unlikely to be effective in the second case.
The Inclusion of Nonsafety Criteria within the Regulatory Framework of Agricultural Biotechnology: Exploring Factors that Are Likely to Influence Policy Transfer
Authors: Marcoux Jean‐Michel , Gomez Olga Carolina Cardenas , Létourneau Lyne 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPolicy makers of various countries are exposed to critiques that call for the consideration of issues that transcend human, animal, and environmental safety concerns when assessing agricultural biotechnology products. While some jurisdictions have decided to broaden the scope of their approval process for genetically modified (GM) foods, this paper analyzes legal, political, and economic factors that can influence the transfer of these initiatives. Drawing on mechanisms presented in the policy transfer literature, this article examines their mixed effects pertaining to the regulation of biotechnology. Although the mechanisms ofcompetitionandcoerciondo not preclude such a possibility, one must admit that they do not create any incentives for policy makers to include nonsafety criteria within biotechnology regulations. By contrast, to varying degrees, the mechanisms ofmimicryandlearningcan foster the transfer of such a broadened scope that allows a better assessment ofGMfoods' social acceptability.
From Geneva to Sion across the Nappes in 1909: alpine geology then and now
Authors: Collett Leon W. 
Published: December 2013

This is the relation of a geological tour in the Alps led by the author, in which three young Edinburgh geologists took part. Their goal was to see, on the spot, evidences of thrusting. From Geneva to Sion they crossed two Nappes of the Pre-alps and three Nappes of the High Calcareous Alps.
The party travelled light on foot, with a porter called Cola, a chamois hunter. They visited the Savoy Alps between the Lake of Geneva and the Giffre river. They climbed Mont Buet and went to Les Granges de Salvan, a small summer resort, where by good luck they met Professor James Geikie. Then the party went on to Salanfe, a splendid corrie at the foot of the Dents du Midi. They studied the core of the Morcles Nappe in the great wall of the Tour Sallière. At Anzeindaz, on the southern side of the Diablerets, they spent several days, waiting for good weather to illuminate a splendid phenomenon: three Nappes overriding one another. Sections given in the text enable the reader to grasp the differences in the ‶Geology″ as known then and now. Anecdotes cheer up the text.