bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial mutations and aging: random drift is insufficient to explain the accumulation of mitochondrial deletion mutants in short‐lived animals
Authors: Kowald Axel , Kirkwood Thomas B. L. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMitochondrial DNA deletions accumulate over the life course in post‐mitotic cells of many species and may contribute to aging. Often a single mutant expands clonally and finally replaces the wild‐type population of a whole cell. One proposal to explain the driving force behind this accumulation states that random drift alone, without any selection advantage, is sufficient to explain the clonal accumulation of a single mutant. Existing mathematical models show that such a process might indeed work for humans. However, to be a general explanation for the clonal accumulation of mtDNA mutants, it is important to know whether random drift could also explain the accumulation process in short‐lived species like rodents. To clarify this issue, we modelled this process mathematically and performed extensive computer simulations to study how different mutation rates affect accumulation time and the resulting degree of heteroplasmy. We show that random drift works for lifespans of around 100 years, but for short‐lived animals, the resulting degree of heteroplasmy is incompatible with experimental observations.
Globalization as a discourse of hegemonic crisis: A global systemic analysis
Authors: FRIEDMAN JONATHAN , FRIEDMAN KAJSA EKHOLM 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTGlobalization discourse is deeply flawed in its very conception, expressing a gratuitous assumption of the emergence of a new era that is discontinuous with the past and whose conflicts are primarily the product of those who resist this development: nationalists, racists, localists. This discourse is itself an ideological product of a cosmopolitan elite identity that has emerged (again) in recent years and which can be accounted for, in turn, by another approach. A global systemic perspective situates cosmopolitan discourses in periods of hegemonic decline, which are also periods of economic, social, and cultural fragmentation in the hegemonic zones as well as of vertical polarization that creates a new “rootedness” at the bottom and a cosmopolitanization at the top. While these processes are underway today in the West, something quite the opposite is occurring in the emergent new hegemonic centers to the East. A global systemic approach also offers a model of today's crisis that is absent in globalization discourse.
Trusted puppets, tarnished politicians: Humor and cynicism in Berlusconi's Italy
Authors: Molé Noelle J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTHow does humor serve political leaders widely seen as inept? How does political satire shift when a country's own prime minister is both media mogul and object of ridicule? I examine humor of and about Italy's Silvio Berlusconi and look at the country's top news parody program, especially its mascot: a big, red puppet named Gabibbo, who is praised as a “civil defender.” I argue that Berlusconi's own humor forges ties to an Italian citizenry habituated in the 1980s to political spectacle—the carefully staged and sensational exhibitionism of national politics—and, subsequently, to the media saturation of late‐liberal politics. I show how political spectacle gave way to a cynicism capable of simultaneously propelling Berlusconi's peculiar popularity and transforming puppets into truth‐tellers.
Friends and money: Balancing affection and reciprocity among young men in urban Ethiopia
Authors: Mains Daniel 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn Jimma, Ethiopia, young men's friendships involve affection and reciprocal exchange of material goods, and in many cases the balance between the two creates conflicts. I examine tensions concerning exchange and friendship in relation to literature on love and transactional sex in Africa to argue for a conception of friendship that does not assume that calculation and self‐interest conflict with affection. For friends in urban Ethiopia, affection and material interest are inextricable, and this often generates feelings of jealousy and mistrust. Similarities in the ways lovers and friends struggle to balance affection and exchange indicate that sex and romantic love may not be the primary sources of tension within relationships. I argue that friendship is often a particularly flexible and ambiguous relationship, and in comparison to relations between lovers, this flexibility reduces conflicts between those involved.
Problems experienced by gynecologists/obstetricians in sickness certification consultations
Authors: Gustavsson Catharina , Kjeldgård Linnea , Bränström Richard , Lindholm Christina , Ljungquist Therese , Nilsson Gunnar H. , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo explore frequencies and experiences with problems in sickness certification consultations among gynecologists and obstetricians in two different years.DesignCross‐sectional surveys on two occasions; in 2004 and 2008.SettingGynecological, obstetric and maternal health care.SamplePhysicians working in gynecology, obstetrics or maternal health care in two Swedish counties from two samples: in 2004 (n = 315), and in 2008 (n = 327).MethodsData regarding sickness certification consultations were obtained from comprehensive questionnaires that had been mailed to the physicians in two Swedish counties in 2004 and in 2008, respectively.Outcome measuresFrequencies and types of problems in sickness certification consultations, organizational support, and need to acquire more competence.ResultsThe majority experienced that patients requested to be on sick leave for a reason other than work incapacity due to disease or injury, at least a few times per year (85% in 2004 and 88% in 2008). The most problematic situation to handle was when the physician and the patient had different opinions about the need for sick leave (2004: 66% and 2008: 58%). The physicians expressed a need for more competence about the options and responsibilities of employers, social insurance officers and physicians in sickness certification cases.ConclusionsMost gynecologists/obstetricians find sickness certification consultations problematic and especially when encountering patients requesting to be on sick leave for reasons other than disease. The physicians expressed a need for more competence in insurance medicine, especially about their own and other stakeholders' options and responsibilities.
Pregnant women's perception on signs and symptoms during pregnancy and maternal health care in a rural low‐resource setting
Authors: Graner Sophie , Klingberg‐Allvin Marie , Duong Le Quyen , Krantz Gunilla , Mogren Ingrid 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveWomen's understanding of pregnancy and antenatal care is influenced by their cultural context. In low‐income settings women may have limited influence over their reproductive health, including when to seek health care. Awareness of signs of pregnancy complications is essential for timely care. The use of antenatal care services in Vietnam has been studied with quantitative methods but there are few qualitative studies on the perceptions of pregnancy and maternal health care among Vietnamese women.DesignFour focus group discussions with pregnant women were performed.SettingThe study was conducted in a rural district in northern Vietnam.PopulationPregnant women in the last trimester.MethodManifest and latent content analysis.ResultThe latent theme that emerged was a need for “securing pregnancy during its normal course and at deviation”, consisting of the main categories “ensuring a healthy pregnancy” and “separating the normal from the abnormal”.ConclusionThis qualitative study of pregnant women in rural Vietnam indicates how women create a strategy to promote a healthy pregnancy through lifestyle adjustments, gathering of information, and seeking timely medical care. Insight into pregnancy‐related conditions was sought from various sources and influenced both by local traditions and modern medical knowledge. Public knowledge about different symptoms during pregnancy and a high confidence in maternal health care are the most likely contributing factors to the relatively good maternal health status in Vietnam.
Growth in prepubertal Nigerian children is highly dependent on socio‐economic status
Authors: Fetuga B , Ogunlesi T , Olanrewaju D , Jonsson B , Albertsson‐Wikland K 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo relate height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of prepubertal children in Sagamu, Nigeria, to parental socio‐economic class (SEC).MethodsCross‐sectional study of 1606 children aged 5–11 years from eight public and eight private primary schools. Height, weight and BMI from 1557 prepubertal children were standardized using two references: US‐CDC birth cohorts 1929–1974 and Swedish birth cohort 1974.ResultsChildren in private schools were taller and heavier than those in public schools (p < 0.0001). Most children (73.2%) belonged to lower SEC, 17.6% to middle and 9.2% to upper. HeightSDS, weightSDS and BMISDS increased with increasing parental SEC. Upper SEC children were taller and heavier with higher BMIs than those from lower SEC (p < 0.0001). HeightSDS, weightSDS and BMISDS were below ‘0’ in all SEC and gender groups (all p < 0.002). Younger children were taller and heavier than the older (p < 0.0001).ConclusionFathers/mothers with higher education/occupation had taller and heavier children with higher BMI than other groups. Children in private schools were taller and heavier than children in public schools. Disparities in parental SEC still constrain optimal child growth in Nigeria: whereas height and weight of children of upper SEC were close to the US‐CDC29–74 reference mean, they were still below Swedish74 reference mean representing more optimal growth.
Developing long‐acting growth hormone formulations
Authors: Cawley Pippa , Wilkinson Ian , Ross Richard J. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryDaily recombinant growth hormone (GH) restores normal growth and body composition in GH‐deficient children and adults; however, daily injections are inconvenient and can be distressing for some children. On top of this compliance is a problem in up to 75% of children. Developing long‐acting GH formulations has proved challenging, and questions remain regarding safety and efficacy. In this review, we focus on the rationale for generating long‐acting GH agonists and the technologies being developed to deliver prolonged exposure to GH.
New procedure for epidermal cell isolation using kiwi fruit actinidin, and improved culture of melanocytes in the presence of leukaemia inhibitory factor and forskolin
Authors: Yarani Reza , Mansouri Kamran , Mohammadi‐Motlagh Hamid Reza , Bakhtiari Mitra , Mostafaie Ali 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesConventional isolation of epidermis from the dermis and disruption of epidermal sheets to liberate the cells, are performed using proteolytic enzymes such as thermolysin or collagenase. Selective population expansion of melanocytes is achieved by suppressing proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in epidermal cell suspensions, using phorbol esters and cholera toxin. Here, we introduce a new procedure for isolation of epidermal cells, using proteolytic activity of kiwi fruit actinidin, and also an improved growth medium for melanocytes in the presence of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and forskolin.Materials and methodsDermo‐epidermal separation and epidermal sheet cell dispersion were performed using actinidin compared to conventional proteases including collagenase, thermolysin or trypsin. Thereafter, melanocyte culture was performed in two common media and one modified medium to discover optimization for these cells.ResultsWe found that dermo‐epidermal separation and epidermal sheet cell dispersion using kiwi fruit actinidin were considerably better than previously used methods, both from the aspect of less fibroblast and keratinocyte contamination, and of more viable native cells. Also, melanocytes proliferated better in phorbol ester‐ and cholera toxin‐free proliferation medium supplemented with LIF and forskolin.ConclusionLess contamination and higher numbers of viable cells were actinidin preferential for separation of epidermis and isolation of epidermal cells. Supplementation of LIF and forskolin to new medium increased proliferation potential of melanocytes in comparison to exogenous mitogens.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging pattern and outcome in children with haemolytic‐uraemic syndrome and neurological impairment treated with eculizumab
Authors: Gitiaux Cyril , Krug Pauline , Grevent David , Kossorotoff Manoelle , Poncet Sarah , Eisermann Monika , Oualha Mehdi , Boddaert Nathalie , Salomon Remi , Desguerre Isabelle 
Published: May 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and the neurological and neuropsychological outcomes in paediatric, diarrhoea‐associated haemolytic–uraemic syndrome (D+HUS) with central nervous system impairment treated with eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody.MethodThe 14‐month single‐centre prospective study included seven children (three males, four females; age range 16mo–7y 8mo; median age 3y 7mo) with typical D+HUS and acute neurological impairment. In the acute phase of the disease, neurological assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including measurement of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), were performed, and neuropsychological evaluation and brain MRI were also carried out 6 months after disease onset.ResultsIn the acute phase, basal ganglia and white matter abnormalities with ADC restriction were a common and reversible MRI finding. In all the surviving patients (5/7), follow‐up MRI after 6 months was normal, indicating reversible lesions. Clinical and neuropsychological evaluations after 6 months were also normal.InterpretationThis specific brain MRI pattern consisting of an ADC decrease in basal ganglia and white matter without major T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) injury may be a key finding in the acute phase of the disease in favour of a vasculitis hypothesis. These reversible lesions were associated with a good neurological outcome. These results call for further evaluation of the potential role of eculizumab in the choice of treatment for severe D+HUS, particularly in the case of early neurological signs.
Epidemiology of blindness attributable to diabetes in Scotland: change over 20 years in a defined population
Authors: Hall H. N. , Chinn D. J. , Sinclair A. , Styles C. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsTo establish the incidence and prevalence of blindness attributable to diabetes in a defined population in Scotland during the period 2000–2009, and to compare these figures with published data from the previous decade in the same population.MethodsAll blind registrations during 2000–2009 in Fife, Scotland, UK were examined and included if diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy was the main cause of blindness. The annual incidence and point prevalence on 31 December 2009 of registered blindness attributable to diabetes were calculated in both the total population and the population with diabetes. These data were compared with figures for the period 1990–1999, using a two‐tailed t‐test, and subjected to Poisson regression analysis.ResultsIn the population with diabetes, the mean incidence of blindness attributable to diabetes was 42.7 (sd 24.2, 95% CI 25– 60) per 100 000 per year for 2000–2009, compared with 64.3 for 1990–1999 (P = 0.062). The relative risk of developing blindness per year was 0.894 (95% CI 0.811– 0.988, P = 0.028) for 2000– 2009. The point prevalence on 31 December 2009 was 167 per 100 000 in the population with diabetes, vs 210 on 31 December 1999.ConclusionCompared with the previous decade, the prevalence of blindness attributable to diabetes has decreased in the population with diabetes, with a trend towards a decrease in its incidence. This may be a consequence of an increased denominator population, resulting from better recording of diabetes and changes to the diagnostic criteria. Over the decade 2000–2009, the incidence of blindness attributable to diabetes fell by a mean of 10.6% per year in the population with diabetes.
Racial/ethnic differences in hepatic steatosis in a population‐based cohort of post‐menopausal women: the Michigan Study of Women's Health Across the Nation
Authors: Kim C. , Harlow S. D. , Karvonen‐Gutierrez C. A. , Randolph J. F. , Helmuth M. , Kong S. , Nan B. , Carlos R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsThe prevalence of hepatic steatosis may differ between post‐menopausal African‐American women and non‐Hispanic white women and by sex hormone binding globulin level. We examined prevalence of hepatic steatosis by race/ethnicity and associations with sex hormone binding globulin.MethodsParticipants included post‐menopausal women who underwent hepatic ultrasound (n = 345) at the Michigan site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, a population‐based study. We examined hepatic steatosis prevalence by race/ethnicity and used logistic regression models to calculate the odds of hepatic steatosis with race/ethnicity and sex hormone binding globulin, after adjustment for age, alcohol use, waist circumference, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and use of medications reported to lower intrahepatic fat.ResultsFewer African‐American women than non‐Hispanic white women had hepatic steatosis (23 vs. 36%, P = 0.01). African‐American women had lower triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but higher blood pressure and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.05). In the optimal‐fitting multivariable models, women in the highest tertile of sex hormone binding globulin (60.2–220.3 nmol/l) had a lower odds of hepatic steatosis (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.93) compared with women in the lowest tertile of sex hormone binding globulin (10.5–40.3 nmol/l). There was an interaction between race/ethnicity and medication use whereby non‐Hispanic white women using medications had three times higher odds of hepatic steatosis compared with African‐American women not using medications (odds ratio 3.36, 95% CI 1.07–10.58). Interactions between race/ethnicity and other variables, including sex hormone levels, were not significant.ConclusionsHepatic steatosis on ultrasound may be more common in post‐menopausal non‐Hispanic white women than African‐American women and was associated with lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin.
Diabetes care provision: barriers, enablers and service needs of young adults with Type 1 diabetes from a region of social disadvantage
Authors: Kibbey K. J. , Speight J. , Wong J. L. A. , Smith L. A. , Teede H. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimsTo determine the barriers to and enablers of engaging with specialist diabetes care and the service requirements of young adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus from a low socio‐economic, multicultural region.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey targeted 357 young adults with Type 1 diabetes, aged 18–30 years. Participants completed questions about barriers/enablers to accessing diabetes care and service preferences, self‐reported HbA1c, plus measures of diabetes‐related distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes), depression/anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and illness perceptions (Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire).ResultsEighty‐six (24%) responses were received [55 (64%) female; mean ± sd age 24 ± 4 years; diabetes duration 12 ± 7 years; HbA1c 68 ± 16 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.5%)]. Logistical barriers to attending diabetes care were reported; for example, time constraints (30%), transportation (26%) and cost (21%). However, ‘a previous unsatisfactory diabetes health experience’ was cited as a barrier by 27%. Enablers were largely matched to overcoming these barriers. Over 90% preferred a multidisciplinary team environment, close to home, with after‐hours appointment times. Forty per cent reported severe diabetes‐related distress, 19% reported moderate‐to‐severe depressive symptoms and 50% reported moderate‐to‐severe anxiety.ConclusionsAmong these young adults with Type 1 diabetes, glycaemic control was suboptimal and emotional distress common. They had identifiable logistical barriers to accessing and maintaining contact with diabetes care services, which can be addressed with flexible service provision. A substantial minority were discouraged by previous unsatisfactory experiences, suggesting health providers need to improve their interactions with young adults. This research will inform the design of life‐stage‐appropriate diabetes services targeting optimal engagement, access, attendance and ultimately improved healthcare outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Sampling volume in root studies: the pitfalls of under‐sampling exposed using accumulation curves
Authors: Taylor Benton N. , Beidler Katilyn V. , Cooper Emily R. , Strand Allan E. , Pritchard Seth G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRoot systems are important for global models of below‐ground carbon and nutrient cycling. Notoriously difficult sampling methods and the fractal distribution of root diameters in the soil make data being used in these models especially susceptible to error resulting from under‐sampling. We applied the concept of species accumulation curves to root data to quantify the extent of under‐sampling inherent to minirhizotron and soil coring sampling for both root uptake and carbon content studies. Based on differences in sample size alone, minirhizotron sampling missed approximately one third of the root diameters observed by soil core sampling. Sample volumes needed to encounter 90% of root diameters averaged 2481 cm3 for uptake studies and 5878 cm3 for root carbon content studies. These results show that small sample volumes encounter a non‐representative sample of the overall root pool, and provide future guidelines for determining optimal sample volumes in root studies.
Targeted capture and sequencing for detection of mutations causing early onset epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Kodera Hirofumi , Kato Mitsuhiro , Nord Alex S. , Walsh Tom , Lee Ming , Yamanaka Gaku , Tohyama Jun , Nakamura Kazuyuki , Nakagawa Eiji , Ikeda Tae , Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Lev Dorit , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Straussberg Rachel , Tanabe Saori , Ueda Kazutoshi , Amamoto Masano , Ohta Sayaka , Nonoda Yutaka , Nishiyama Kiyomi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Nakashima Mitsuko , Miyake Noriko , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , King Mary‐Claire , Matsumoto Naomichi , Saitsu Hirotomo 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPurposeEarly onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEEs) are heterogeneous epileptic disorders caused by various abnormalities in causative genes including point mutations and copy number variations (CNVs). In this study, we performed targeted capture and sequencing of a subset of genes to detect point mutations and CNVs simultaneously.MethodsWe designed complementary RNA oligonucleotide probes against the coding exons of 35 known and potential candidate genes. We tested 68 unrelated patients, including 15 patients with previously detected mutations as positive controls. In addition to mutation detection by the Genome Analysis Toolkit, CNVs were detected by the relative depth of coverage ratio. All detected events were confirmed by Sanger sequencing or genomic microarray analysis.Key FindingsWe detected all positive control mutations. In addition, in 53 patients with EOEEs, we detected 12 pathogenic mutations, including 9 point mutations (2 nonsense, 3 splice‐site, and 4 missense mutations), 2 frameshift mutations, and one 3.7‐Mb microdeletion. Ten of the 12 mutations occurred de novo; the other two had been previously reported as pathogenic. The entire process of targeted capture, sequencing, and analysis required 1 week for the testing of up to 24 patients.SignificanceTargeted capture and sequencing enables the identification of mutations of all classes causing EOEEs, highlighting its usefulness for rapid and comprehensive genetic testing.