bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose‐sparing and safety‐enhancing effects of an IGF‐I‐based dosing regimen in short children treated with growth hormone in a 2‐year randomized controlled trial: therapeutic and pharmacoeconomic considerations
Authors: Cohen Pinchas , Weng Wayne , Rogol Alan D. , Rosenfeld Ron G. , Kappelgaard Anne‐Marie , Germak John 
Published: January 2014

SummaryContext and objectiveTitrating the dosage of growth hormone (GH) to serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is a feasible treatment strategy in children with GH deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS). The objective was to assess the dose‐sparing effect and theoretical safety of IGF‐I‐based GH therapy.Design, setting and patientsThis was a post hoc analysis of a previously described 2‐year, multicenter, open‐label, randomized, outpatient, controlled clinical trial in 172 prepubertal short children [age 7·5 ± 2·4 years; height standard deviation score (HSDS) −2·64 ± 0·61] classified by baseline peak GH levels as GHD (<7 ng/ml) or ISS (≥7 ng/ml).InterventionConventional weight‐based dosing of GH (0·04 mg/kg/day) (n = 34) or GH dosing titrated to an IGF‐I target of 0 SDS (IGF0T; n = 70) or an IGF‐I target of +2 SDS (IGF2T; n = 68).Main Outcome MeasuresChange in HSDS per GH mg/kg/day dose (∆HSDS/GH dose ratio) and proportion of IGF‐I levels above +2 SDS at the end of 2 years.ResultsGH dosing titrated to an IGF‐I target of 0 SDS was the most dose‐sparing treatment regimen for GHD or ISS children (mean±SE ∆HSDS/GH dose ratios 48·1 ± 4·4 and 32·5 ± 2·8, respectively) compared with conventional dosing (30·3 ± 6·6 and 21·3 ± 3·5, respectively; P = 0·02, P = 0·005) and IGF2T (32·7 ± 4·8 and 16·3 ± 2·8, respectively; P = 0·02, P < 0·0001). IGF0T also resulted in the fewest IGF‐I excursions above +2 SDS (6·8% vs 30·0% for conventional dosing; P < 0·01).ConclusionsIGF‐I‐based GH dosing, targeted to age‐ and gender‐adjusted means, may offer a more dose‐sparing and potentially safer mode of therapy than traditional weight‐based dosing.
Vitamin D as a Potential Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Gianforcaro Alexandro , Hamadeh Mazen J. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryVitamin D has been demonstrated to influence multiple aspects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Both human and rodent central nervous systems express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and/or its enzymatic machinery needed to fully activate the hormone. Clinical research suggests that vitamin D treatment can improve compromised human muscular ability and increase muscle size, supported by loss of motor function and muscle mass in animals following VDR knockout, as well as increased muscle protein synthesis and ATP production following vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the expression of biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease; diseases that share common pathophysiologies with ALS. Furthermore, vitamin D treatment greatly attenuates hypoxic brain damage in vivo and reduces neuronal lethality of glutamate insult in vitro; a hallmark trait of ALS glutamate excitotoxicity. We have recently shown that high‐dose vitamin D3 supplementation improved, whereas vitamin D3 restriction worsened, functional capacity in the G93A mouse model of ALS. In sum, evidence demonstrates that vitamin D, unlike the antiglutamatergic agent Riluzole, affects multiple aspects of ALS pathophysiology and could provide a greater cumulative effect.
Immediate outcome, long‐term function and quality of life after extended colectomy with ileorectal or ileosigmoid anastomosis
Authors: Duclos J. , Lefevre J. H. , Lefrançois M. , Lupinacci R. , Shields C. , Chafai N. , Tiret E. , Parc Y. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTotal/subtotal colectomy with ileorectal (IRA) or ileosigmoid (ISA) anastomosis is associated with various reported rates of morbidity, function and quality of life. Our object was to determine these end‐points in a series of patients undergoing these operations in our institution.MethodAll patients who underwent IRA or ISA between 1994 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsA total of 320 patients (female 49%) with a median age of 54.2 (16.8–90.6) years underwent 338 IRA or ISA (in 18 patients the anastomosis was done twice) for inflammatory bowel disease (n = 96), polyposis (n = 95) and colorectal cancer (n = 97). Mortality and morbidity rates were 1.2% (n = 4) and 19.5% (n = 66) and 47 surgical complications (13.9%) occurred, including 26 (7.7%) cases of anastomotic leakage, leading to 23 re‐operations. After a median follow‐up of 49 (0–196) months, 262 patients still had a functioning anastomosis; 45 patients had died and 13 had a proctectomy. Information on function was obtained in 51.4% (133/259) of the cohort after a median follow‐up of 77 (10–196) months. The mean (± standard deviation) rates of 24 h and nocturnal defaecation were 3.6 ± 2.4 and 0.5 ± 0.9. A disturbance of faecal or flatus continence occurred in 20% and 21% of patients. There was no case of faecal incontinence to solid stool. The mean SF‐36 Physical and Mental Health Summary Scales were 46.3 ± 9.3 and 51.9 ± 9.3. Multivariate analysis showed that IRA and inflammatory bowel disease were both independently associated with poorer long‐term function.ConclusionColectomy with IRA or ISA is safe with low postoperative morbidity and mortality. The employment of IRA and inflammatory bowel disease appear to be independent negative factors on function in multivariate analysis.
Natural Versus National Boundaries: the Importance of Considering Biogeographical Patterns in Forest Conservation Policy
Authors: Gustafsson Lena , Felton Adam , Felton Annika M. , Brunet Jörg , Caruso Alexandro , Hjältén Joakim , Lindbladh Matts , Ranius Thomas , Roberge Jean‐Michel , Weslien Jan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractApplying biogeographical insights to the regulation of production forestry and the determination of forest reserve strategies is expected to increase the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation actions. Here, we assess the extent to which such applications take place. By using Sweden as a case study, we demonstrate fundamental differences among biogeographical regions in natural patterns and processes, past land‐use, and anthropogenic impacts that need to be better incorporated into strategic conservation planning and decisions. Furthermore, assessment of specific forestry regulations and biogeographical variation in a number of other countries/provinces embracing boreal and temperate biomes also indicate that natural boundaries are insufficiently considered in forest management policies. We suggest that a substantial potential exists to better align conservation priorities with biogeographical characteristics. To illustrate the application of such an approach, we present a decision support model on how forest conservation policies that rest on natural boundaries and ecological processes can be developed.
Which alcohol control strategies do young people think are effective?
Authors: de Visser Richard O. , Hart Angie , Abraham Charles , Memon Anjum , Graber Rebecca , Scanlon Tom 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe aims of this study were to examine young people's belief in the effectiveness of various alcohol control strategies and to identify demographic, attitudinal and behavioural correlates of perceived effectiveness.Design and MethodsAn online questionnaire hosted on a secure server was completed by 1418 men and women aged 16–21 years living inSouth‐EastEngland. It assessed the perceived effectiveness of various alcohol control strategies. Key correlates included sensation seeking, impulsivity, conscientiousness, alcohol outcome expectancies, drink refusal self‐efficacy, perceived peer alcohol use andAlcoholUseDisordersIdentificationTest scores.ResultsThe most effective strategies were perceived to be enforcing responsible service legislation, strictly monitoring late‐night licensed premises and teaching alcohol refusal skills. Greater belief in the effectiveness of alcohol control strategies was expressed by older participants, those who consumed less alcohol and those who expected more negative outcomes from alcohol consumption.Discussion and ConclusionsThe data suggest that in order to increase the perceived effectiveness of alcohol control strategies, we may need to address young people's beliefs about the negative outcomes of alcohol use. Strategies that young people believe are effective may be easier to implement, but this does not imply that unpopular but effective strategies should not be tried.[de Visser RO, Hart A, Abraham C, Memon A, Graber R, Scanlon T. Which alcohol control strategies do young people think are effective?Drug Alcohol Rev2014;33:144–151]
Outcome evaluation of the opioid agonist maintenance treatment in Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Hamid‐Reza , Ziaddinni Hassan , Nikravesh Mohammad‐Rafee , Baneshi Mohammad‐Reza , Nakhaee Nouzar 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMethadone maintenance treatment and buprenorphine maintenance treatment are the two main therapeutic options considered for opioid replacement therapy. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment and buprenorphine maintenance treatment in Iran under usual clinical conditions.Design and MethodsIn this outcome research, 311 patients consented to participate in the study (77.8% response rate). The Opioid Treatment Index, General Health Questionnaire and WHOQOL‐BREF questionnaire were used to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic programs. Drop‐out rate was calculated after two and six months of treatment.ResultsMean dose of methadone was in an acceptable range; however, doses for buprenorphine maintenance treatment patients seemed low. The rates of attrition after two and six months of treatment were 24.2% and 44.0% in the methadone maintenance treatment group and 41.3% and 65.4% in the buprenorphine maintenance treatment group, respectively (P < 0.001). Drug use, HIV risk‐taking behaviour, and mental and physical health improved in both groups at six months of treatment, while quality of life improved only in the methadone maintenance treatment group.Discussion and ConclusionsThe retention seen in the buprenorphine group may in part be related to the low buprenorphine doses used. As a whole, the positive results provide support to continuation of maintenance programs. [Esmaeili H‐R, Ziaddinni H, Nikravesh M‐R, Baneshi M‐R, Nakhaee N. Outcome evaluation of the opioid agonist maintenance treatment in Iran. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:186–193]
School readiness of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Gehrmann Frances E , Coleman Andrea , Weir Kelly A , Ware Robert S , Boyd Roslyn N 
Published: January 2014

AimTo examine school readiness in preschool‐age children with cerebral palsy (CP) on three of five domains compared with reported norms of children with typical development (CTD).MethodA representative population of 151 preschool‐age children with CP (87 males, 64 females; 131 [87%] with spasticity, 17 [11%] dyskinesia, 3 [4%] hypotonia) were assessed at 48 or 60 months corrected age. Children were functioning in the following Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels: I, 74 (49%); II, 17 (11%); III, 14 (9%); IV, 26 (17%); V, 20 (13%). Children's motor performance, self‐care, and social function were assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and communication using the Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS‐DP). Results were compared with a reference sample of CTD (PEDI CTD n=412; CSBS‐DP CTD n=790). Linear regression was used to compare these data by functional severity.ResultsChildren with CP had significantly lower PEDI scores in all domains than CTD. Self‐care scores ranged from 0.5 to more than 4SD below CTD, motor performance was 2 to >4SD below CTD, and social function between 0.5 and >4SD below CTD. Fifty‐five per cent of children demonstrated significantly delayed communication skills. Non‐ambulant children displayed significantly lower scores than ambulant children.InterpretationPreschool‐age children with CP perform significantly below their peers in three of five key readiness‐to‐learn skill areas including mobility, self‐care, social function, and communication abilities. Broader emphasis needs to be placed on multimodal screening and intervention to prepare children with CP for school entry.
How Much Does the Stock Market Risk Decline with the Investment Horizon? A Cross‐Country Comparison
Authors: Favero Carlo A. , Nucera Federico 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe perform a cross‐country comparison of stock market risk. Stock market risk is defined as the standard deviation of cumulative stock market returns. We model stock market returns in a VAR(1) system jointly with bond returns and a set of predictive variables. Our results provide evidence of a strong negative horizon effect for US stock market returns and a weak negative horizon effect for Germany and France. When an open economy VAR(1) is considered, we find that stock market risk increases for the United States and Germany, while the evidence for France is mixed.
Lower functioning predicts identification of psychosis risk screening status in help‐seeking adolescents
Authors: Granö Niklas , Kallionpää Santeri , Karjalainen Marjaana , Edlund Virve , Saari Erkki , Itkonen Arja , Anto Jukka , Roine Mikko 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThere is some previous evidence suggesting that the risk state for psychosis is associated with decreased functioning ability, health‐related quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to identify which factors predict psychosis risk screening status.MethodsThe data were collected in Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, by an early intervention team. One hundred eighty‐one help‐seeking adolescents (mean age 15.3 years) completed questionnaires of QoL (16D), alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), hopelessness (BBeck Hopelessness Scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory II). Functioning ability was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning, whereas the PROD‐screen was used to interview and assess risk symptoms for psychosis.ResultsIn a logistic regression analysis, a lower functioning ability explained independently (P = 0.006) psychosis risk screening status after age, gender, alcohol consumption, QoL, anxiety, hopelessness and depression symptoms were adjusted.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that lower functioning ability is associated independently with psychosis risk screening status. Hence, therapeutic input for those at risk should focus upon improving functioning.
The Dystonia Discomfort Scale (DDS): a novel instrument to monitor the temporal profile of botulinum toxin therapy in cervical dystonia
Authors: Dressler D. , Kupsch A. , Seitzinger A. , Paus S. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeConventional scales measure the effect of botulinum toxin (BT) therapy only at specific points in time. The Dystonia Discomfort Scale (DDS), a novel, easy‐to‐use, self‐assessment scale to record temporal profiles of the effect of BT therapy in cervical dystonia (CD), is introduced and evaluated against the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS).MethodsSeventy‐six patients with CD (age 54.4 ± 10.9 years, 34% male) receiving ≤5 cycles of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®; Merz Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) injections at intervals ≥10 weeks used DDS to record the severity of their symptoms daily. DDS data were compared with TWSTRS‐Total scores and patients' subjective estimation (SE) of the onset (TO) and waning (TW) of the treatment effect.ResultsThe Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale − Total scores correlated significantly with DDS (P ≤ 0.028 at all visits evaluated). TO‐DDS and TO‐SE were 7.9 ± 8.6 and 7.1 ± 4.1 days, respectively; TW‐DDS and TW‐SE were 41.8 ± 19.2 and 45.1 ± 21.5 days, respectively.ConclusionThe Dystonia Discomfort Scale is a novel, easy‐to‐use, self‐assessment scale for valid and sensitive monitoring of the temporal profile of the effect of BT therapy in patients with CD. DDS provides important additional information about onset, duration, waning, stability and reproducibility of the effects of BT therapy.
Association of candidate genetic variants with restless legs syndrome in end stage renal disease: a multicenter case−control study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.‐H. , Chen M.‐L. , Wu V.‐C. , Li W.‐Y. , Sy H.‐N. , Wu S.‐L. , Chang C.‐C. , Chiu P.‐F. , Liou H.‐H. , Lin C.‐Y. , Chang H.‐W. , Lin S.‐Y. , Wu K.‐D. , Chen Y.‐M. , Wu R.‐M. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeRecent genome‐wide association studies have shown associations between multiple genetic variants and primary restless legs syndrome (RLS). Their roles in end stage renal disease (ESRD) related secondary RLS are not clear and studies in Asian populations are scarce. The association between candidate genetic variants and uremic RLS was investigated in a large cohort of Taiwanese dialysis patients.MethodsSixteen RLS‐related genetic variants at six loci, including MEIS1, BTBD9, MAP2K5/SKOR1, PTPRD, TOX3/BC034767 and the intergenic region of chromosome 2p14, in a total of 993 ESRD patients (259 subjects with and 734 subjects without RLS) were genotyped using TaqMan® genotyping assays. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test for associations between the genotypes and RLS in ESRD. Power calculations were completed using the CATs Genetic Power Calculator with settings of a multiplicative genetic model.ResultsA modest association between the PTPRD variant rs4626664 and uremic RLS (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.03–2.23, P = 0.03) and a trend that TOX3/BC034767 variant rs3104767 may associate with the occurrence of RLS were observed in our dialysis population (odds ratio 1.74, 95% CI 0.97–3.11, P = 0.06). No associations between other genetic variants and risk and severity of RLS were observed in our ESRD cohort.ConclusionsThe genetic variants of primary RLS candidate genes did not play a major role in our uremic RLS populations. The ethnic difference and heterogeneous etiologies underlying renal failure may partly explain the minor genetic contribution to uremic RLS in our populations. Further studies for other ethnicities will be of worth.
Evaluation of pain in rats through facial expression following experimental tooth movement
Authors: Liao Lina , Long Hu , Zhang Li , Chen Helin , Zhou Yang , Ye Niansong , Lai Wenli 
Published: January 2014

This study was carried out to evaluate pain in rats by monitoring their facial expressions following experimental tooth movement. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into the following five groups based on the magnitude of orthodontic force applied and administration of analgesics: control; 20 g; 40 g; 80 g; and morphine + 40 g. Closed‐coil springs were used to mimic orthodontic forces. The facial expressions of each rat were videotaped, and the resulting rat grimace scale (RGS) coding was employed for pain quantification. The RGS score increased on day 1 but showed no significant change thereafter in the control and 20‐g groups. In the 40‐ and 80‐g groups, the RGS scores increased on day 1, peaked on day 3, and started to decrease on day 5. At 14 d, the RGS scores were similar in control and 20‐, 40‐, and 80‐g groups and did not return to baseline. The RGS scores in the morphine + 40‐g group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Our results reveal that coding of facial expression is a valid method for evaluation of pain in rats following experimental tooth movement. Inactivated springs (no force) still cause discomfort and result in an increase in the RGS. The threshold force magnitude required to evoke orthodontic pain in rats is between 20 and 40 g.
Spatial Nest‐Settlement Decisions in Digger Wasps: Conspecifics Matter more than Heterospecifics and Previous Experience
Authors: Asís Josep D. , Ballesteros Yolanda , Tormos José , Baños‐Picón Laura , Polidori Carlo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractResearch into the driving forces behind spatial arrangement of wasp nests has considered abiotic environmental factors, but seldom investigated attraction or repulsion towards conspecifics or heterospecifics. Solitary female digger wasps (Hymenoptera) often nest in dense aggregations, making these insects good models to study this topic. Here, we analysed the nesting patterns in an area shared by three species of the genusBembix, in a novel study to discover whether female wasps are attracted to or repulsed by conspecific nests, heterospecific nests or their own previously established nests when choosing nest‐digging locations. Early in the season, each species showed a clumping pattern of nests, but later in the season, a random distribution of nests was more common, suggesting an early conspecific attraction. Such behaviour was confirmed by the fact that females started building their nests more frequently where other females of their species were simultaneously digging. The distances between subsequent nests dug by individual females were shorter than those obtained by random simulations. However, this pattern seemed to depend on the tendency to dig close to conspecifics rather than remain in the vicinity of previous nests, suggesting that females' experience matters to future decisions only on a large scale. Nesting patches within nest aggregations largely overlapped between species, but the nests of each species were generally not closer to heterospecific nests than expected by chance, suggesting that females are neither repulsed by, nor attracted to, congenerics within nest aggregations. A role of the spatial distribution of natural enemies on the observed nesting patterns seemed unlikely.Bembixdigger wasp nest aggregations seem thus to be primarily the result of female–female attraction during nest‐settlement decisions, in accordance with the ‘copying’ mechanisms suggested for nesting vertebrates.
The osteopathic treatment of somatic dysfunction causing gait abnormality in 51 horses
Authors: Colles C. M. , Nevin A. , Brooks J. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryOver a 19‐year period, 51 horses showing chronic lameness or gait abnormality that was not fully responsive to veterinary treatment at other referral clinics were referred to us for further treatment. All had either failed to have a diagnosis made, or treatment for the diagnosed conditions had shown only partial response. After further examination, we concluded that they showed abnormal function of the neck or back, but there was no obvious pathological cause. A diagnosis of ‘somatic dysfunction’ was made, characterised by altered muscle tone, tenderness or subtle changes in gait, similar to the condition recognised in human medicine. These cases subsequently underwent osteopathic treatment under sedation. Forty‐six cases (90.2%) responded to treatment in the short term (6 months after treatment). Seventeen (53.1%) were working at the same level or better than previously at least a year after treatment. Ten (31.2%) worked at a reduced level for between 1.5 and 10 years. Nineteen cases were lost to long‐term follow‐up. The findings of this study suggest that neck and back problems may be overlooked when investigating chronic lameness. When no pathology can be pinpointed as a cause of lameness, a diagnosis of somatic dysfunction as a primary problem should be considered. The presence of somatic dysfunction as a secondary complicating factor should not be overlooked. Stiffness and/or low grade pain in the spine of horses can result in persistent abnormal posture, gait, or behaviour, similar to ‘somatic dysfunction’ seen in the human patient. The cause is neuromuscular in origin, rather than resulting from tissue pathology. The diagnosis made clinically can be confirmed with thermography. This study confirms that osteopathic manipulation of the spine of horses can be a valuable treatment for cases of lameness that do not respond fully to standard veterinary treatments.