bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization references/standards for height in contemporary Australian children: Analyses of the Raine Study and Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity cohorts
Authors: Hughes Ian , Harris Mark , Cotterill Andrew , Garnett Sarah , Bannink Ellen , Pennell Craig , Sly Peter , Leong Gary M , Cowell Chris , Ambler Geoff , Werther George , Hofman Paul , Cutfield Wayne , Choong Catherine S 
Published: June 2014

Aim(i) To compare the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference and World Health Organization (WHO) standard/reference for height, particularly with respect to short stature and eligibility for growth hormone (GH) treatment by applying them to contemporary Australian children; (ii) To examine the implications for identifying short stature and eligibility for GH treatment.MethodsChildren from the longitudinal Raine Study were serially measured for height from 1991 to 2005 (2–15‐year‐old girls (660) and boys (702) from Western Australia). In the cross‐sectional Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity survey (2–16‐year‐old boys (2415) and girls (2379) from all states), height was measured in 2007. Heights were converted to standard deviation scores (SDSs) based on CDC and WHO.ResultsMeans and standard deviations of height‐SDS varied between CDC and WHO definitions and with age and gender within each definition. However, both identified similar frequencies of short stature (<1st centile for GH eligibility), although these were very significantly less than the anticipated 1% (0.1–0.7%) of the Australian cohorts. Mean heights in the Australian cohorts were greater than both the WHO and CDC means.ConclusionsNeither CDC nor WHO height standardisations accurately reflect the contemporary Australian child population. Australian children are taller than the CDC or WHO height means, and significantly less than 1% of Australian children are defined as being short using either CDC or WHO. This study suggests there may be a case for an Australian‐specific standard/reference for height.
Oral health status in Navajo Nation Head Start children
Authors: Batliner Terrence , Wilson Anne R. , Tiwari Tamanna , Glueck Deborah , Henderson William , Thomas Jacob , Braun Patricia , Cudeii Diana , Quissell David , Albino Judith 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study assessed oral health status for preschool‐aged children in the Navajo Nation to obtain data on baseline decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs) and dental caries patterns, describe sociodemographic correlates of children's baseline dmfs measures, and compare the children's dmfs measures with previous dental survey data for the Navajo Nation from the Indian Health Service and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).MethodsThe analyzed study sample included 981 child/caregiver dyads residing in the Navajo Nation who completed baseline dmfs assessments for an ongoing randomized clinical trial involving Navajo Nation Head Start Centers. Calibrated dental hygienists collected baseline dmfs data from child participants ages 3‐5 years (488 males and 493 females), and caregivers completed a basic research factors questionnaire.ResultsMean dmfs for the study population was 21.33 (SD = 19.99) and not appreciably different from the 1999 Indian Health Service survey of Navajo Nation preschool‐aged children (mean = 19.02, SD = 16.59, P = 0.08). However, only 69.5 percent of children in the current study had untreated decay compared with 82.9 percent in the 1999 Indian Health Service survey (P < 0.0001). Study results were considerably higher than the 16.0 percent reported for 2‐4‐year‐old children in the whites‐only group from the 1999‐2004 NHANES data. Age had the strongest association with dmfs, followed by child gender, then caregiver income and education.ConclusionDental caries in preschool‐aged Navajo children is extremely high compared with other US population segments, and dmfs has not appreciably changed for more than a decade.
The effect of three different head–neck positions on the average EMG activity of three important neck muscles in the horse
Authors: Kienapfel K. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe Knowledge of muscle activity in common head–neck positions (HNPs) is a necessary precondition for making judgements on HNPs. The aim of the study was to record the surface electromyography activities of important muscles of the horse's neck in various HNPs. The electrical activities of the m. splenius, brachiocephalicus and trapezius were recorded on both sides. Five horses, both with and without a rider, were examined in all three gaits on both hands in three different HNPs: a ‘free’ position, a ‘gathered’ (head higher, neck more flexed) position with the noseline in front of the vertical and a ‘hyperflexed’ position. Averages of ten consecutive gait cycles in each HNP were evaluated and compared by standard statistical methods. No difference between ridden and unridden horses could be detected. The m. brachiocephalicus was in the hyperflexed position in all gaits significantly (p < 0.01) more active than in the gathered and free position, which were not significantly different. By contrast, the m. splenius was in the hyperflexed position less active than in the free position (p < 0.02), in which it always showed the highest activity. In walking, the muscle activities in the free and gathered positions deviated significantly (p < 0.01). The m. trapezius was in the hyperflexed posture during walking significantly less active than in the free (p < 0.01) and gathered (p < 0.01) positions with the strongest activities in the free position. Again, the free and gathered positions differed significantly (p < 0.01). In trot, the same pattern occured, although the gathered and hyperflexed positions did not differ significantly. In the canter, the activities of the m. trapezius showed no differences between HNPs. In HNPs with the noseline in front of the vertical, the muscles of the topline (m. splenius, m. trapezius) are activated and trained. In the hyperflexed position, however, a major muscle of the lower topline (m. brachiocephalicus) is activated and trained.
Critical review of NGS analyses for de novo genotyping multigene families
Authors: Lighten Jackie , van Oosterhout Cock , Bentzen Paul 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe genotyping of highly polymorphic multigene families across many individuals used to be a particularly challenging task because of methodological limitations associated with traditional approaches. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) can overcome most of these limitations, and it is increasingly being applied in population genetic studies of multigene families. Here, we critically review NGS bioinformatic approaches that have been used to genotype the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) immune genes, and we discuss how the significant advances made in this field are applicable to population genetic studies of gene families. Increasingly, approaches are introduced that apply thresholds of sequencing depth and sequence similarity to separate alleles from methodological artefacts. We explain why these approaches are particularly sensitive to methodological biases by violating fundamental genotyping assumptions. An alternative strategy that utilizes ultra‐deep sequencing (hundreds to thousands of sequences per amplicon) to reconstruct genotypes and applies statistical methods on the sequencing depth to separate alleles from artefacts appears to be more robust. Importantly, the ‘degree of change’ (DOC) method avoids using arbitrary cut‐off thresholds by looking for statistical boundaries between the sequencing depth for alleles and artefacts, and hence, it is entirely repeatable across studies. Although the advances made in generating NGS data are still far ahead of our ability to perform reliable processing, analysis and interpretation, the community is developing statistically rigorous protocols that will allow us to address novel questions in evolution, ecology and genetics of multigene families. Future developments in third‐generation single molecule sequencing may potentially help overcome problems that still persist in de novo multigene amplicon genotyping when using current second‐generation sequencing approaches.
Deoxycholic acid induced changes in electrophysiological parameters and macromolecular permeability in murine small intestine with and without functional enteric nervous system plexuses
Authors: Forsgård R. A. , Korpela R. , Stenman L. K. , Österlund P. , Holma R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously shown in mice that the fecal proportion and concentration of the hydrophobic bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA) is elevated with high‐fat feeding and that these changes are able to disrupt the intestinal barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these changes are mediated by the enteric nervous system (ENS).MethodsThe function of the ENS in the small intestinal tissues of mice was compromised by two different methods: by removing the seromuscular layer and by incubating the intact tissues with tetrodotoxin (TTX), a neural conduction blocker, before DCA treatment. Tissues with or without functional plexuses were mounted into a Ussing chamber system and treated with 3 mM DCA for 20 min. After DCA treatment, the intestinal permeability to fluorescein was assessed. Short‐circuit current (Isc) and transepithelial resistance (TER) were recorded throughout the experiment.Key ResultsDCA increased intestinal fluorescein permeability only in tissues where the seromuscular layer was removed. In tissues with intact seromuscular layer, DCA induced a significant increase in TER, which was attenuated by blocking of the neural function by TTX.Conclusions & InferencesThe results of this study suggest that the DCA‐induced increase observed in fluorescein permeability is not mediated through neural pathways, but more due to a direct effect on the epithelium. However, as TTX was able to attenuate the DCA‐induced increase in TER, it can be speculated that DCA is also able to elicit responses through neural pathways.
Damage to enteric neurons occurs in mice that develop fatty liver disease but not diabetes in response to a high‐fat diet
Authors: Rivera L. R. , Leung C. , Pustovit R. V. , Hunne B. L. , Andrikopoulos S. , Herath C. , Testro A. , Angus P. W. , Furness J. B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundDisorders of gastrointestinal functions that are controlled by enteric neurons commonly accompany fatty liver disease. Established fatty liver disease is associated with diabetes, which itself induces enteric neuron damage. Here, we investigate the relationship between fatty liver disease and enteric neuropathy, in animals fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet in the absence of diabetes.MethodsMice were fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet (21% fat, 2% cholesterol) or normal chow for 33 weeks. Liver injury was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red staining, and measurement of plasma alanine aminotransaminase (ALT). Quantitative immunohistochemistry was performed for different types of enteric neurons.Key ResultsThe mice developed steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and a 10‐fold increase in plasma ALT, indicative of liver disease. Oral glucose tolerance was unchanged. Loss and damage to enteric neurons occurred in the myenteric plexus of ileum, cecum, and colon. Total numbers of neurons were reduced by 15–30% and neurons expressing nitric oxide synthase were reduced by 20–40%. The RNA regulating protein, Hu, became more concentrated in the nuclei of enteric neurons after high‐fat feeding, which is an indication of stress on the enteric nervous system. There was also disruption of the neuronal cytoskeletal protein, neurofilament medium.Conclusions & InferencesEnteric neuron loss and damage occurs in animals with fatty liver disease in the absence of glucose intolerance. The enteric neuron damage may contribute to the gastrointestinal complications of fatty liver disease.
Th2‐like chemokine levels are increased in allergic children and influenced by maternal immunity during pregnancy
Authors: Abelius Martina S. , Lempinen Esma , Lindblad Karin , Ernerudh Jan , Berg Göran , Matthiesen Leif , Nilsson Lennart J. , Jenmalm Maria C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe influence of the intra‐uterine environment on the immunity and allergy development in the offspring is unclear. We aimed to investigate (i) whether the pregnancy magnifies the Th2 immunity in allergic and non‐allergic women, (ii) whether the maternal chemokine levels during pregnancy influenced the offspring's chemokine levels during childhood and (iii) the relationship between circulating Th1/Th2‐associated chemokines and allergy in mothers and children.MethodsThe Th1‐associated chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and the Th2‐associated chemokines CCL17, CCL18 and CCL22 were quantified by Luminex and ELISA in 20 women with and 36 women without allergic symptoms at gestational week (gw) 10–12, 15–16, 25, 35, 39 and 2 and 12 months post‐partum and in their children at birth, 6, 12, 24 months and 6 years of age. Total IgE levels were measured using ImmunoCAP Technology.ResultsThe levels of the Th2‐like chemokines were not magnified by pregnancy. Instead decreased levels were shown during pregnancy (irrespectively of maternal allergy status) as compared to post‐partum. In the whole group, the Th1‐like chemokine levels were higher at gw 39 than during the first and second trimester and post‐partum. Maternal CXCL11, CCL18 and CCL22 levels during and after pregnancy correlated with the corresponding chemokines in the offspring during childhood. Increased CCL22 and decreased CXCL10 levels in the children were associated with sensitisation and increased CCL17 levels with allergic symptoms during childhood. Maternal chemokine levels were not associated with maternal allergic disease.ConclusionsAllergic symptoms and sensitisation were associated with decreased Th1‐ and increased Th2‐associated chemokine levels during childhood, indicating a Th2 shift in the allergic children, possibly influenced by the maternal immunity during pregnancy.
Monitoring Ara h 1, 2 and 3‐sIgE and sIgG4 antibodies in peanut allergic children receiving oral rush immunotherapy
Authors: Nozawa Asako , Okamoto Yoshihisa , Movérare Robert , Borres Magnus P. , Kurihara Kazuyunki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to study the clinical efficacy and safety of rush oral immunotherapy (OIT) for severe peanut‐allergic children and to measure the antibody responses.MethodsEighteen Japanese children were enrolled after a positive double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). The patients ingested peanuts up to 3–5 times a day every 30 min, increasing the dose by 20% every time. The goal dose was 3.5–7 g. IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody levels to peanut, and peanut allergen components were measured during up to 3 yr of maintenance treatment.ResultsTwo children dropped out due to side effects. Sixteen patients (14 boys and two girls, median: 9 yr range: 5–14 yr) achieved the goal dose after a median of 11 days (range: 4–19 days). Their median threshold dose at DBPCFC was 0.20 g (range: 0.015–1.0 g). All were sensitized to Ara h 2. Fourteen of them had a history of previous anaphylaxis. In total, 173 adverse events were observed during the treatment (27% of the total ingestions) of which 74 needed medications. The median IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody levels to peanut increased during rush OIT. The IgG4 levels were high during the whole maintenance phase. IgE and IgG4 antibodies to Ara h 2 dominated the serological response during the treatment.ConclusionsThe present rush OIT protocol for children with severe peanut allergy was effective and relatively safe. A sustained Ara h 2‐specific IgG4 antibody response characterized the treatment.
Comparison of High‐voltage‐ with Standard‐voltage Pulsed Radiofrequency of Gasserian Ganglion in the Treatment of Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Fang Luo , Tao Wang , Jingjing Lu , Nan Ji 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAlthough pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRFT) has been used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN) safely, satisfactory improvement is lacking. Recently, much attention has been paid to the PRFT dose and intra‐operative parameters. It has been reported that high‐voltage PRFT could significantly reduce discogenic pain. However, there is no study investigating the effects of high‐voltage PRFT on TN. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high‐voltage PRFT in comparison with standard‐voltage PRFT for idiopathic TN. Sixty severe TN patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups treated with CT‐guided standard‐ or high‐voltage‐pulsed radiofrequency (RF) of Gasserian ganglion, respectively, between January 2012 and July 2012. Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), carbamazepine dose, and side effects were evaluated at day 1, weeks 1 and 2, months 1, 3, and 6, and 1 year postoperative. There were 27 patients in the standard‐voltage group and 26 patients in the high‐voltage group who completed the 1‐year follow‐up study. The effective rates in the standard‐voltage and high‐voltage PRFT groups were 41% and 69%, respectively, at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperative (P = 0.037). The effective rate in the standard‐voltage group decreased to 19% at 1‐year postoperative, while in the high‐voltage group remained at 69% (P = 0.000). No significant side effects were detected in both groups. In conclusion, CT‐guided high‐voltage PRFT is an effective and safe interventional therapeutic choice for idiopathic TN patients.
Suicide in elderly South Tyroleans in various residential settings at the time of death: a psychological autopsy study
Authors: Torresani Stefano , Toffol Elena , Scocco Paolo , Fanolla Antonio 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundCompleted suicide is more frequent among older adults than any other age group. Data on suicide in nursing homes and other residential facilities are inconsistent. This work aims to describe the characteristics of elderly suicide victims in different residential settings compared to young suicide victims.MethodsData on people who died by suicide in the South Tyrol (Alto Adige) region of Italy between 2000 and 2009 were gathered from the local Provincial Mortality Register. Further detailed information was collected via questionnaires to mental health departments and psychological services, family physicians and relatives of the deceased.ResultsA total of 525 cases of suicide were recorded, with a linearly decreasing trend during the study period. About one‐third of the suicides occurred in those aged 60 years and over. Suicide in the elderly was associated with low education level (odds ratio (OR) = 7.1, P < 0.001), living in a one‐person household (OR = 2.4, P < 0.01), not having economic troubles (OR = 6.1, P < 0.01), having seen a doctor in the past month (OR = 2.4, P < 0.01) and living in a residential facility (OR = 2.6, P < 0.05). Twenty‐four (17.9%) suicide victims aged 60 years and over were in a residential facility/hospital at the time of the death. They were more likely to be women, not married, and to die by jumping from a height.ConclusionsThe suicide risk should be carefully assessed in the elderly who live alone or are institutionalized or hospitalized. Efforts are warranted to reduce seniors' access to high places in hospitals and facilities.
Imaging discrepancies between magnetic resonance imaging and brain perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and verification with amyloid positron emission tomography
Authors: Yokoyama Shunichi , Kajiya Yoriko , Yoshinaga Takuma , Tani Atsushi , Hirano Hirofumi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), discrepancies are often observed between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings. MRI, brain perfusion SPECT, and amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) findings were compared in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early AD to clarify the discrepancies between imaging modalities.MethodsSeveral imaging markers were investigated, including the cortical average standardized uptake value ratio on amyloid PET, the Z‐score of a voxel‐based specific regional analysis system for AD on MRI, periventricular hyperintensity grade, deep white matter hyperintense signal grade, number of microbleeds, and three indicators of the easy Z‐score imaging system for a specific SPECT volume‐of‐interest analysis. Based on the results of the regional analysis and the three indicators, we classified patients into four groups and then compared the results of amyloid PET, periventricular hyperintensity grade, deep white matter hyperintense signal grade, and the numbers of microbleeds among the groups.ResultsThe amyloid deposition was the highest in the group that presented typical AD findings on both the regional analysis and the three indicators. The two groups that showed an imaging discrepancy between the regional analysis and the three indicators demonstrated intermediate amyloid deposition findings compared with the typical and atypical groups. The patients who showed hippocampal atrophy on the regional analysis and atypical AD findings using the three indicators were approximately 60% amyloid‐negative. The mean periventricular hyperintensity grade was highest in the typical group.ConclusionsPatients showing discrepancies between MRI and SPECT demonstrated intermediate amyloid deposition findings compared with patients who showed typical or atypical findings. Strong white matter signal abnormalities on MRI in patients who presented typical AD findings provided further evidence for the involvement of vascular factors in AD.
Do depressive symptoms on hospital admission impact early functional outcome in elderly patients with hip fracture?
Authors: Dubljanin Raspopović Emilija , Marić Nadja , Nedeljković Una , Ilić Nela , Tomanović Vujadinović Sanja , Bumbaširević Marko 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundDepression is the most common mood disorder in elderly people and one of the most prevalent comorbidities in older people with hip fracture. While several authors have confirmed that depressive symptoms assessed at a later stage after hip fracture impact functional outcome and mortality, the role of depressive symptoms identified at an earlier stage after hip fracture remains understudied. The aim of the present study was to determine if depressive symptoms assessed on hospital admission impact early functional outcome after hip fracture surgery.MethodsWe studied 112 patients who underwent surgery for hip fracture during a 6‐month period. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 30‐itemGeriatricDepressionScale on admission to the acute setting. Multidimensional assessment included sociodemographic characteristics, general health status, cognitive status, functional status prior to injury, and perioperative variables. The primary outcome measure was motorFunctionalIndependenceMeasure at discharge.ResultsAdjusted multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (GeriatricDepressionScale ≥ 20), older age, and female gender were independently related to motorFunctionalIndependenceMeasure at discharge.ConclusionIncreasing levels of depressive symptoms in elderly hip fracture patients influence short‐term functional outcome. We strongly support the introduction of routine assessment of this baseline comorbidity, especially in female patients. Failure to identify such patients is a missed opportunity for possible improvement of early functional outcome after hip fracture in elderly.