bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma prevalence among pregnant women in Norway: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Findal Gry , Barlinn Regine , Sandven Irene , Stray‐Pedersen Babill , Nordbø Svein A. , Samdal Helvi H. , Vainio Kirsti , Dudman Susanne G. , Jenum Pål A. 
Published: January 2015

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii may lead to complications in the foetus if the mother suffers from primary infection during pregnancy. Previously infected women have produced toxoplasma‐specific IgG antibodies. The most recent study on prevalence of toxoplasma IgG in the Norwegian pregnant population was conducted 20 years ago. The present study is part of a research programme initiated by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. We aimed to update the knowledge regarding the prevalence of toxoplasma IgG among pregnant women in Norway. In this cross‐sectional study, sera from 1922 pregnant women in Buskerud (992) and Sør‐Trøndelag counties (930) in Norway were collected consecutively. The presence of toxoplasma IgG was identified by values ≥8 IU/mL using an ELISA test. The overall prevalence of toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was 9.3% (95% CI 8.1–10.7); Sør‐Trøndelag 10.4% (95% CI 8.6–12.6) and Buskerud 8.3% (95% CI 6.7–10.2). There was no difference between the counties (p = 0.13), and the result did not differ from prevalences found in 1974 (12.1%) and 1994 (10.7%). We found a higher prevalence among women ≥40 years (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.30–5.42). The prevalence of toxoplasma IgG among pregnant women in Norway is low and has been stable during the last decades.
Virological outcomes and treatment algorithms utilisation in observational study of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with boceprevir or telaprevir
Authors: Sterling R. K. , Kuo A. , Rustgi V. K. , Sulkowski M. S. , Stewart T. G. , Fenkel J. M. , El‐Genaidi H. , Mah'moud M. A. , Abraham G. M. , Stewart P. W. , Akushevich L. , Nelson D. R. , Fried M. W. , Di Bisceglie A. M. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundHCV‐TARGET is a longitudinal observational study of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with direct‐acting anti‐viral agents (DAAs) in a US consortium of 90 academic and community medical centres.AimTo assess utilisation of response‐guided therapy (RGT) and sustained virological response (SVR) of a large cohort of patients.MethodsPatients received peginterferon (PEG‐IFN), ribavirin and either telaprevir or boceprevir. Demographical, clinical and virological data were collected during treatment and follow‐up. RGT and treatment futility stopping rules was assessed at key time points.ResultsOf 2084 patients, 38% had cirrhosis and 56% had received prior treatment for HCV. SVR rates were 31% (95% CI: 24–40) and 50% (95% CI: 44–56) in boceprevir patients with and without cirrhosis, respectively. SVR rates were 46% (95% CI: 42–50) and 60% (95% CI: 57–64) in telaprevir patients with and without cirrhosis, respectively. Early clearance of virus, IL28B genotype, platelet counts and diabetes were identified as predictors of SVR among boceprevir patients, while early clearance of virus, IL28B, cirrhosis, HCV subtype, age, haemoglobin, bilirubin and albumin levels were identified as predictors of SVR for telaprevir patients.ConclusionsIn academic and community centres, triple therapy including boceprevir or telaprevir led to SVR rates somewhat lower than those noted in large phase 3 clinical trials. Response rates were consistently higher among patients without cirrhosis compared to those with cirrhosis regardless of DAA used and prior treatment response. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT01474811.
Generalized Multilevel Function-on-Scalar Regression and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Goldsmith Jeff , Zipunnikov Vadim , Schrack Jennifer 
Published: January 2015

Summary
This manuscript considers regression models for generalized, multilevel functional responses: functions are generalized in that they follow an exponential family distribution and multilevel in that they are clustered within groups or subjects. This data structure is increasingly common across scientific domains and is exemplified by our motivating example, in which binary curves indicating physical activity or inactivity are observed for nearly 600 subjects over 5 days. We use a generalized linear model to incorporate scalar covariates into the mean structure, and decompose subject-specific and subject-day-specific deviations using multilevel functional principal components analysis. Thus, functional fixed effects are estimated while accounting for within-function and within-subject correlations, and major directions of variability within and between subjects are identified. Fixed effect coefficient functions and principal component basis functions are estimated using penalized splines; model parameters are estimated in a Bayesian framework using Stan, a programming language that implements a Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampler. Simulations designed to mimic the application have good estimation and inferential properties with reasonable computation times for moderate datasets, in both cross-sectional and multilevel scenarios; code is publicly available. In the application we identify effects of age and BMI on the time-specific change in probability of being active over a 24-hour period; in addition, the principal components analysis identifies the patterns of activity that distinguish subjects and days within subjects.
Sensory evoked potentials of the bladder and urethra in middle‐aged women: the effect of age
Authors: Gregorini Flavia , Knüpfer Stephanie C. , Liechti Martina D. , Schubert Martin , Curt Armin , Kessler Thomas M. , Mehnert Ulrich 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate feasibility, reproducibility and age dependency of sensory evoked cortical potentials (SEPs) after electrical stimulation of different locations in the lower urinary tract (LUT) in a cohort of middle‐aged healthy women.Subjects and MethodsIn a group of 10 healthy middle‐aged women [mean (sd) height 165 (5) cm and age 43 (6) years), electrical stimulation (0.5 and 3 Hz) was applied to the bladder dome, trigone, and proximal and distal urethra. SEPs were recorded at the Cz electrode with reference to Fz. All measurements were repeated three times with an interval of 3–5 weeks. Current perception thresholds (CPT), SEP latencies and amplitudes were analysed. Results were compared with a group of younger women published previously.ResultsLUT SEPs demonstrated two positive (P1, P2) and one negative peak (N1). The mean (sd) N1 latency was 108.9 (7.8), 116.2 (10.7), 113.2 (13.4) and 131.3 (35.6) ms for the bladder dome, trigone, proximal and distal urethra, respectively. N1 latencies, except for the distal urethra, were significantly shorter than those in younger women. Taking all data, i.e. young and middle‐aged women, into account, there was a significant negative correlation between the variable age and CPT/dome (r = −0.462, P = 0.04) and N1 latency/dome (r = −0.605, P = 0.005) and a significant positive correlation between the variable age and N1P2 amplitude/dome (r = 0.542, P = 0.014).ConclusionLUT SEPs can be induced in middle‐aged women with reliable N1 responses. Unexpectedly, N1 responses reveal a shortening with increasing age particularly when compared with younger women. Changes in sensory afferents may be explained by age‐related qualitative reorganisations within the urothelium and suburothelium potentially altering afferent nerve excitability, which may have an impact on the development of non‐neurological LUT symptoms (LUTS, e.g. overactive bladder) in women.
NKCC2 activity is inhibited by the Bartter's syndrome type 5 gain‐of‐function CaR‐A843E mutant in renal cells
Authors: Carmosino Monica , Gerbino Andrea , Hendy Geoffrey N. , Torretta Silvia , Rizzo Federica , Debellis Lucantonio , Procino Giuseppe , Svelto Maria 
Published: January 2015

Background informationThe gain‐of‐function A843E mutation of the calcium sensing receptor (CaR) causes Bartter syndrome type 5. Patients carrying this CaR variant show a remarkably reduced renal NaCl reabsorption in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop resulting in renal loss of NaCl in the absence of mutations in renal Na+ and Cl− ion transporters. The molecular mechanisms underlying this clinical phenotype are incompletely understood. We investigated, in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells and porcine kidney epithelial (LLC‐PK1) cells, the functional cross‐talk of CaR‐A843E with the Na+:K+:2Cl– co‐transporter, NKCC2, which provides NaCl reabsorption in the TAL.ResultsThe expression of the CaR mutant did not alter the apical localisation of NKCC2 in LLC‐PK1 cells. However, the steady‐state NKCC2 phosphorylation and activity were decreased in cells transfected with CaR‐A843E compared with the control wild‐type CaR (CaR WT)‐transfected cells. Of note, low‐Cl−‐dependent NKCC2 activation was also strongly inhibited upon the expression of CaR‐A843E mutant. The use of either P450 ω‐hydroxylase (CYP4)‐ or phospholipase A2 (PLA2)‐blockers suggests that this effect is likely mediated by arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites.ConclusionsThe data suggested that the activated CaR affects intracellular pathways modulating NKCC2 activity rather than NKCC2 intracellular trafficking in renal cells, and throw further light on the pathological role played by active CaR mutants in Bartter syndrome type 5.
Implications of less‐than‐perfect reliability of clinical parameters for the misclassification of periodontitis
Authors: Corraini Priscila , Lopez Rodrigo , Vaeth Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate and compare the misclassification of periodontitis using two operational protocols currently employed in research, as a result of intra‐examiner less‐than‐perfect reliability of their formative clinical parameters.MethodsFull‐mouth duplicate recordings (six sites per tooth) of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were obtained by a single examiner, 1 week apart, from 148 adults with self‐perceived need for periodontal treatment. They were used to classify periodontitis subjects according to the protocols proposed by the 5th European Workshop in Periodontology (EWP5) and the collaboration between the US Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology (CDC‐AAP).ResultsHundred percent and 91.2% of the subjects were classified as periodontitis cases according to the EWP5 and CDC‐AAP protocols, respectively. Test–retest agreement was observed in 95% and 85% of the classified subjects according to the EWP5 and CDC‐AAP protocols, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Alignment of protocols, in terms of number of classification categories, resulted in a similar test–retest agreement of 95% using the EWP5 protocol for extensive periodontitis and 90% using the CDC‐AAP protocol for severe periodontitis (P = 0.09). Misclassification was nondifferential when subjects were classified according either to the EWP5 or the aligned CDC‐AAP protocols, while the reliability using the original CDC‐AAP protocol depended on the extent of bleeding on probing, CAL ≥3 mm and PD ≥4 mm.ConclusionThis study suggests the EWP5 protocol is less error‐prone than the CDC‐AAP protocol in adult subjects with perceived need for periodontal treatment, as a result of intra‐examiner less‐than‐perfect reliability of periodontal clinical parameters. Extensive or severe cases presented similar misclassification. Further studies using survey‐like conditions are recommended to confirm these findings.
Assessing the likely effectiveness of multispecies management for imperiled desert fishes with niche overlap analysis
Authors: Laub Brian G. , Budy Phaedra 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA critical decision in species conservation is whether to target individual species or a complex of ecologically similar species. Management of multispecies complexes is likely to be most effective when species share similar distributions, threats, and response to threats. We used niche overlap analysis to assess ecological similarity of 3 sensitive desert fish species currently managed as an ecological complex. We measured the amount of shared distribution of multiple habitat and life history parameters between each pair of species. Habitat use and multiple life history parameters, including maximum body length, spawning temperature, and longevity, differed significantly among the 3 species. The differences in habitat use and life history parameters among the species suggest they are likely to respond differently to similar threats and that most management actions will not benefit all 3 species equally. Habitat restoration, frequency of stream dewatering, non‐native species control, and management efforts in tributaries versus main stem rivers are all likely to impact each of the species differently. Our results demonstrate that niche overlap analysis provides a powerful tool for assessing the likely effectiveness of multispecies versus single‐species conservation plans.Evaluación de la Posible Efectividad del Manejo Multi‐Especie paraPeces de Desierto en Peligro Mediante el Análisis de Traslape de Nichos
Genetic isolation by distance reveals restricted dispersal across a range of life histories: implications for biodiversity conservation planning across highly variable marine environments
Authors: Wright Daniel , Bishop Jacqueline M. , Matthee Conrad A. , von der Heyden Sophie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimIsolation by distance (IBD) analyses are an effective tool for determining genetic connectivity among populations, providing a basis for estimating dispersal and thus contributing to spatial biodiversity planning. Here, we use an IBD approach to determine patterns of connectivity to infer dispersal distances for a phylogenetically diverse range of marine species.LocationTwo thousand and eight hundred kilometre of South African coastline.MethodsmtDNA data sets for 11 rocky shore and reef‐dwelling marine species with diverse life history strategies (broadcast spawning, brooding and live‐bearing) were used to quantify intraspecific genetic connectivity by means of global and pairwise Φst. Mantel tests were used to assess the significance of genetic structure with geographic distance. Significant, positive slopes were used to estimate dispersal distances. For all species, we also plotted genetic diversity along the coast and compared this to patterns of species richness.ResultsFor seven of the 11 species tested, we report positive IBD relationships, with patterns of IBD of similar magnitude in broadcast spawners and live‐bearers. Dispersal estimates were low, with effective distances of < 10 km per generation. We find discordance between pelagic larval development and population structure and that genetic structure and the physio‐geographic features of the coastline considered to be important biogeographic barriers do not overlap. Genetic diversity and species richness show congruent patterns, with both variables lowest on the west coast, and increasing towards the east.Main conclusionsOur study highlights the complexity of marine systems and the clear need for regional assessments of connectivity, rather than more general management plans which may not otherwise effectively encompass area‐specific conservation needs. Importantly, we show that the current marine protected area (MPA) network in South Africa is not effective in protecting evolutionary processes and strongly recommend a network of more closely spaced MPAs in the region that reflects the low average connectivity between distant marine populations.
Randomized comparison trial of density and context of upper limb intensive group versus individualized occupational therapy for children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Sakzewski Leanne , Miller Laura , Ziviani Jenny , Abbott David F , Rose Stephen , Macdonell Richard A L , Boyd Roslyn N 
Published: January 2015

AimTo determine whether short‐term intensive group‐based therapy combining modified constraint‐induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy (hybrid‐CIMT) is more effective than an equal total dose of distributed individualized occupational therapy (standard care) on upper limb motor and individualized outcomes.MethodFifty‐three children with unilateral cerebral palsy (69% males; mean age 7y 10mo, SD 2y 4mo; Manual Ability Classification System level I, n=24; level II, n=23) were randomly allocated, and 44 received either hybrid‐CIMT (n=25) or standard care (n=19). Standard care comprised six weekly occupational therapy sessions and a 12‐week home programme. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 13 weeks, and 26 weeks after treatment.ResultsGroups were equivalent at baseline. Standard care achieved greater gains on satisfaction with occupational performance after intervention (estimated mean difference −1.2, 95% CI −2.2 to −0.1; p=0.04) and Assisting Hand Assessment at 26 weeks (estimated mean difference 3.1, 95% CI 0.2–6.0; p=0.04). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in dexterity of the impaired upper limb, and bimanual and occupational performance over time. The differences between groups were not clinically meaningful.InterpretationThere were no differences between the two models of therapy delivery. Group‐based intensive camps may not be readily available; however, individualized standard care augmented with a home programme may offer an effective alternative but needs to be provided at a sufficient dose.
Service‐Learning in Supply Chain Management: Benefits, Challenges and Best Practices
Authors: Schoenherr Tobias 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTService‐learning (SL) is a pedagogical approach in which students are assigned a course‐related project in a not‐for‐profit organization, and are tasked to apply course content to execute the project. While the benefits are multifarious, only recently have supply chain management (SCM) courses adapted this innovative teaching methodology. The present article aims to popularize this pedagogical concept by providing a detailed overview of the background, development, implementation, and success of an SL project in an undergraduate SCM course; this serves as a “how to” guide for instructors interested in implementing the approach. Compelling evidence for the value of SL is provided by data assessing the students’ learning experiences, and benefits for participating organizations are demonstrated. Caveats and challenges are noted, and ensuing best practices for SL are presented.
“Supply Chain—Marketing Shark Tank” Experiential Lab Game in Interdisciplinary Business Education: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses
Authors: Arora A. , Saxena Arora A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThis article provides educators in business schools with a new interdisciplinary experiential lab game called Supply Chain—Marketing (SC‐Mark) Shark Tank game, which can be implemented in both Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Marketing courses. The SC‐Mark experiential lab game is a real‐life business environment simulation that explores complexities in advertising industry service supply chains. One hundred sixty‐one undergraduate students participated in the game at two business schools over two semesters. The effectiveness of the game was measured and analyzed, qualitatively and quantitatively, based on text analysis of the feedback received from participating students. The results revealed five themes that helped student teams understand how advertising companies integrate and improve their service supply chains—buyer‐supplier relationships, supply chain functions and operations, consumer focus and orientation, community focus, and overall risk management.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of autoantibodies anti‐apolipoprotein A‐1 and anti‐phosphorylcholine in acute non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Rubini Gimenez Maria , Pagano Sabrina , Virzi Julien , Montecucco Fabrizio , Twerenbold Raphael , Reichlin Tobias , Wildi Karin , Grueter Daniel , Jaeger Cedric , Haaf Philip , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Mueller Christian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAutoantibodies have been shown to play a critical role in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in atherosclerotic patients. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of autoantibodies to apolipoprotein A‐1 (anti‐apoA‐1 IgG) and to phosphorylcholine (anti‐PC IgM) for non‐ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to explore their potential prognostic value.MethodsThis prospective multicentre study included 1072 patients presenting to the emergency department for suspected NSTEMI. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. For both antibodies alone or expressed as a ratio (anti‐apoA‐1 IgG/anti‐PC IgM), we determined their (i) diagnostic accuracy for NSTEMI and (ii) prognostic accuracy for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsA total of 154 patients (14%) had a final diagnosis of NSTEMI. Diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of NSTEMI as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was very low for both autoantibodies separately as well as combined as a ratio: AUC anti‐apoA‐1 IgG 0·50 (95%CI, 0·47–0·53, P = 0·99), AUC anti‐PC IgM 0·53 (95%CI, 0·50–0·56, P = 0·30) and AUC of the ratio 0·52 (95%CI, 0·49–0·55, P = 0·47). Adding the anti‐apoA‐1 IgG/Anti‐PC IgM ratio to hs‐cTnT did not provide incremental diagnostic value over hs‐cTnT alone. MACE occurred in 221 patients (21%) during follow‐up. The autoantibodies, separately or expressed as ratio, also had very low accuracy to predict MACE (p=ns).ConclusionsAnti‐apoA‐1 IgG and anti‐PC IgM autoantibodies did not have diagnostic or prognostic value in patients with NSTEMI.
Mutations in Caenorhabditis briggsae identify new genes important for limiting the response to EGF signaling during vulval development
Authors: Sharanya Devika , Fillis Cambree J. , Kim Jaeyoung , Zitnik Edward M. , Ward Kelly A. , Gallagher Molly E. , Chamberlin Helen M. , Gupta Bhagwati P. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYStudies of vulval development in the nematode C. elegans have identified many genes that are involved in cell division and differentiation processes. Some of these encode components of conserved signal transduction pathways mediated by EGF, Notch, and Wnt. To understand how developmental mechanisms change during evolution, we are doing a comparative analysis of vulva formation in C. briggsae, a species that is closely related to C. elegans. Here, we report 14 mutations in 7 Multivulva (Muv) genes in C. briggsae that inhibit inappropriate division of vulval precursors. We have developed a new efficient and cost‐effective gene mapping method to localize Muv mutations to small genetic intervals on chromosomes, thus facilitating cloning and functional studies. We demonstrate the utility of our method by determining molecular identities of three of the Muv genes that include orthologs of Cel‐lin‐1 (ETS) and Cel‐lin‐31 (Winged‐Helix) of the EGF‐Ras pathway and Cel‐pry‐1 (Axin), of the Wnt pathway. The remaining four genes reside in regions that lack orthologs of known C. elegans Muv genes. Inhibitor studies demonstrate that the Muv phenotype of all four new genes is dependent on the activity of the EGF pathway kinase, MEK. One of these, Cbr‐lin(gu167), shows modest increase in the expression of Cbr‐lin‐3/EGF compared to wild type. These results argue that while Cbr‐lin(gu167) may act upstream of Cbr‐lin‐3/EGF, the other three genes influence the EGF pathway downstream or in parallel to Cbr‐lin‐3. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the genetic program underlying a conserved developmental process includes both conserved and divergent functional contributions.