bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone protects HDL2&3 against oxidation in overweight and obese men
Authors: Mceneny Jane , Mcpherson Peter A , Mcginty Ann , Hull Stephen S , Mccance David R , Young Ian S 
Published: November 2012

Background The worldwide epidemic of obesity is a major public health concern and is persuasively linked to the rising prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is often associated with an abnormal lipoprotein profile, which may be partly negated by pioglitazone intervention, as this can influence the composition and oxidation characteristics of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, as pioglitazone's impact on these parameters within high-density lipoprotein (HDL), specifically HDL2&3, is absent from the literature, this study was performed to address this shortcoming. Methods Twenty men were randomized to placebo or pioglitazone (30 mg/day) for 12 weeks. HDL2&3 were isolated by rapidultracentrifugation. HDL2&3-cholesterol and phospholipid content were assessed by enzymatic assays and apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) content by single-radial immunodiffusion. HDL2&3 oxidation characteristics were assessed by monitoring conjugated diene production and paraoxonase-1 activity by spectrophotometric assays. Results Compared with the placebo group, pioglitazone influenced the composition and oxidation potential of HDL2&3. Specifically, total cholesterol (P < 0.05), phospholipid (P < 0.001) and apoAI (P < 0.001) were enriched within HDL2. Furthermore, the resistance of HDL2&3 to oxidation (P < 0.05) and the activity of paroxonase-1 were also increased (P < 0.001). Conclusions Overall, these findings indicate that pioglitazone treatment induced antiatherogenic changes within HDL2& 3 , which may help reduce the incidence of premature cardiovascular disease linked with obesity.
Post-diphtheritic neuropathy: a clinical study in paediatric intensive care unit of a developing country
Authors: Kanwal Sandeep Kumar , Yadav Dinesh , Chhapola Viswas , Kumar Virendra 
Published: November 2012

Summary A retrospective study was done on 48 consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of postdiphtheritic neuropathy admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital in North India between January 2008 and December 2010 to study the clinical profile of post-diphtheritic neuropathy in children. The case records were reviewed and information regarding personal details, clinical features, recovery parameters and outcome was recorded using a predesigned proforma. Median age was 4.25 years. All cases were unimmunized. Median latency period was 15 days. Of the children, 52% had palatal palsy whereas 48% had limb weakness initially. Median duration of progression of weakness was five days. Limb muscle weakness was present in 94%. Respiratory muscles were involved in 85.4% cases and 60.4% required mechanical ventilation, while 14.6% had fatal outcome and 10.4% had hypoxic neurological injury. Boys were affected more. Median duration of latency was shorter; muscle weakness, progression and recovery were faster as compared with observational studies in adults.
New Opportunities from the Cancer Metabolome
Authors: Aboud Omran Abu , Weiss Robert H 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND
Metabolomics, the study of all metabolites produced in the body, which often includes flora and drug metabolites, is the omics approach that can be considered most closely related to a patient's phenotype. Metabolomics has a great and largely untapped potential in the field of oncology, and the analysis of the cancer metabolome to identify biofluid markers and novel druggable targets can now be undertaken in many research laboratories.

CONTENT
The cancer metabolome has been used to identify and begin to evaluate potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in a variety of malignancies, including breast, prostate, and kidney cancer. We discuss the several standard techniques for metabolite separation and identification, with their potential problems and drawbacks. Validation of biomarkers and targets may entail intensive use of labor and technology and generally requires a large number of study participants as well as laboratory validation studies. The field of pharmacometabolomics, in which specific therapies are chosen on the basis of a patient's metabolomic profile, has shown some promise in the translation of metabolomics into the arena of personalized medicine.

SUMMARY
The relatively new approach using metabolomics has just begun to enter the mainstream of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. As this field advances, metabolomics will take its well-deserved place next to genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics in both clinical and basic research in oncology.
Creative research approaches
Authors: Uggerhøj Lars 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
The article explores the possibility of developing and using creative research approaches and methods in social work research. The article starts by introducing the opposing positions in the on-going science wars between evidence-based and non-evidence-based approaches. It argues that if research is to understand and capture the complexity of social problems and social work, more effort must be devoted to developing qualitative studies – especially at a time when evidence-based approaches hold such a strong position. Research also needs to focus much more on creative tools. The article suggests Forum Theatre as a good participatory method as it allows a more power-sharing and open dialogue between researchers and informants, and it presents an example of Forum Theatre used in a research process. The article ends with a comparison of creative social work research approaches to what has been characterized as the science of the concrete: a context-dependent science, oriented more towards subjects than objects, and in which judgements and decisions are based on values.
Digital war: An empirical analysis of narrative elements in military
first-person shooters
Authors: Breuer Johannes , Festl Ruth , Quandt Thorsten 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
Computer and video games have always been, and remain, substantial parts of the so-called military-entertainment complex. The genre of first-person shooters (FPS) has been closely associated with the military due to its content and gameplay mechanisms. This article presents a content analysis of narrative elements in military-themed FPS games from 1992 to 2010 (N=189). The results show that some conflicts, locations and factions appear more frequently than others. The games portray wars and conflicts from an almost exclusively US-American or western perspective, with the degree of realism differing based on the respective topic and setting. The findings are discussed with regard to the potential effects of military-themed FPS on their players as suggested by the concept of narrative persuasion.
Der Spracherwerb bei Menschenaffen. Sue Savage-Rumbaughs methodologische Wende
Authors: Hanzel Igor 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to investigate, from the point of view of philosophy of science and philosophy of social science, the turn in the ape language project (ALP) as accomplished in the works of Sue Savage-Rumbaugh and her collaborators. In this project a highly interesting turn from the orientation of research on natural sciences to that on humanities took place. We shall analyze all the relevant works of Savage-Rumbaugh from the point of view of the three central levels of ALP: its scientific, metascientific and methodological levels.
Gefährdetes Leben, Verletzbarkeit und die Ethik der Kohabitation
Authors: Butler Judith 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The article scutinizes the solicitation we experience when affected by human suffering at a distance. Referring to the approaches of Emmanuel Lévinas and Hannah Arendt, the author outlines her Ethic of Cohabitation and points to both writers’ particular and rather diverging affiliation to Jewish heritage. The author’s own idea of alternative Jewishness emphasizes the importance of solidarity with those who are threatened by persecution or subjugation, with the dispossessed and the “ungrievable”, even and especially with those who exceed our immediate sphere of belonging.
„Du wirst nicht töten“. Lévinas’ Ethik der Verantwortung als erste Philosophie
Authors: Buddeberg Eva 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This paper outlines Lévinas’ conception of responsibility as non-intentional relatedness to the Other, a conception he regards as constitutive of human subjectivity. In doing so, it uncovers parallels between Lévinas’ interpretation of Judaism and his philosophical works. In the latter, he develops his account of ethics as a critique of the philosophical tradition which risks, according to Lévinas, missing the fundamental ethical dimension of the human’s being. Finally, the paper explores the question of whether it is possible to draw on Lévinas in order to develop an alternative approach to political philosophy.
Glaube und Vernunft. Ironie in der conditio humana?
Authors: Taylor Charles , Krüger Hans-Peter 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Charles Taylor explains a broader understanding of faith as well as of reason in his philosophical anthropology. In leading one’s own life, faith contains more than having certain beliefs, and reason grasps more than having scientific methods. Taylor answers questions regarding the relation of his great narrative to the approaches of M. Heidegger, M. Merleau-Ponty, M. Foucault, K. Jaspers, and S. Eisenstadt (axial cultures and multiple modernities). Insofar as the secularization of Christianity involves ironic reversals, all main directions in Western modernity (forms of religion, secular humanism, and anti-humanism) are faced with dilemmas. Instead of looking for scapegoats in the others, all directions are called upon to cooperate. The open questionability of the Human condition has no last answer.
A Germline Clone Screen on theXChromosome Reveals Novel Meiotic Mutants inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Collins Kimberly A , Callicoat Jonathon G , Lake Cathleen M , McClurken Cailey M , Kohl Kathryn P , Hawley R Scott 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn an effort to isolate novel meiotic mutants that are severely defective in chromosome segregation and/or exchange, we employed a germline clone screen of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. We screened over 120,000 EMS-mutagenized chromosomes and isolated 19 mutants, which comprised nine complementation groups. Four of these complementation groups mapped to known meiotic genes, including mei-217, mei-218, mei-9, and nod. Importantly, we have identified two novel complementation groups with strong meiotic phenotypes, as assayed by X chromosome nondisjunction. One complementation group is defined by three alleles, and the second novel complementation group is defined by a single allele. All 19 mutants are homozygous viable, fertile, and fully recessive. Of the 9 mutants that have been molecularly characterized, 5 are canonical EMS-induced transitions, and the remaining 4 are transversions. In sum, we have identified two new genes that are defined by novel meiotic mutants, in addition to isolating new alleles of mei-217, mei-218, mei-9, and nod.
Large-Scale Screening for Targeted Knockouts in the Caenorhabditis elegans Genome
Authors:   The C. elegans Deletion Mutant Consortium
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model system to study contemporary biological problems. This system would be even more useful if we had mutations in all the genes of this multicellular metazoan. The combined efforts of the C. elegans Deletion Mutant Consortium and individuals within the worm community are moving us ever closer to this goal. At present, of the 20,377 protein-coding genes in this organism, 6764 genes with associated molecular lesions are either deletions or null mutations (WormBase WS220). Our three laboratories have contributed the majority of mutated genes, 6841 mutations in 6013 genes. The principal method we used to detect deletion mutations in the nematode utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR). More recently, we have used array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) to detect deletions across the entire coding part of the genome and massively parallel short-read sequencing to identify nonsense, splicing, and missense defects in open reading frames. As deletion strains can be frozen and then thawed when needed, these strains will be an enduring community resource. Our combined molecular screening strategies have improved the overall throughput of our gene-knockout facilities and have broadened the types of mutations that we and others can identify. These multiple strategies should enable us to eventually identify a mutation in every gene in this multicellular organism. This knowledge will usher in a new age of metazoan genetics in which the contribution to any biological process can be assessed for all genes.
A Forward Genetic Screen Identifies Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 3, Subunit H (eIF3h), as an Enhancer of Variegation in the Mouse
Authors: Daxinger Lucia , Oey Harald , Apedaile Anwyn , Sutton Joanne , Ashe Alyson , Whitelaw Emma 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We have used a forward genetic screen to identify genes required for transgene silencing in the mouse. Previously these genes were found using candidate-based sequencing, a slow and labor-intensive process. Recently, whole-exome deep sequencing has accelerated our ability to find the causative point mutations, resulting in the discovery of novel and sometimes unexpected genes. Here we report the identification of translation initiation factor 3, subunit H (eIF3h) in two modifier of murine metastable epialleles (Mommes) lines. Mice carrying mutations in this gene have not been reported previously, and a possible involvement of eIF3h in transcription or epigenetic regulation has not been considered.
Shrinkage Estimation of the Realized Relationship Matrix
Authors: Endelman Jeffrey B , Jannink Jean-Luc 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The additive relationship matrix plays an important role in mixed model prediction of breeding values. For genotype matrix X (loci in columns), the product XX′ is widely used as a realized relationship matrix, but the scaling of this matrix is ambiguous. Our first objective was to derive a proper scaling such that the mean diagonal element equals 1+f, where f is the inbreeding coefficient of the current population. The result is a formula involving the covariance matrix for sampling genomic loci, which must be estimated with markers. Our second objective was to investigate whether shrinkage estimation of this covariance matrix can improve the accuracy of breeding value (GEBV) predictions with low-density markers. Using an analytical formula for shrinkage intensity that is optimal with respect to mean-squared error, simulations revealed that shrinkage can significantly increase GEBV accuracy in unstructured populations, but only for phenotyped lines; there was no benefit for unphenotyped lines. The accuracy gain from shrinkage increased with heritability, but at high heritability (&gt; 0.6) this benefit was irrelevant because phenotypic accuracy was comparable. These trends were confirmed in a commercial pig population with progeny-test-estimated breeding values. For an anonymous trait where phenotypic accuracy was 0.58, shrinkage increased the average GEBV accuracy from 0.56 to 0.62 (SE &lt; 0.00) when using random sets of 384 markers from a 60K array. We conclude that when moderate-accuracy phenotypes and low-density markers are available for the candidates of genomic selection, shrinkage estimation of the relationship matrix can improve genetic gain.
Obesity Disparities Among Elementary-Aged Children: Data From School-Based BMI Surveillance
Authors: Bailey-Davis Lisa , Horst Michael , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Lauter Alison 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES:
To examine 3-year trends and spatial clustering in the prevalence of obesity among elementary-aged children in Pennsylvania.

METHODS:
Height and weight were measured for ∼980 000 children between ages 5 and 12 years, corresponding to kindergarten through grade 6 in 3 consecutive school years (2006–2007, 2007–2008, 2008–2009). These data were obtained at the school district level and reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health in response to a state mandate requiring public schools to conduct annual surveillance of student growth. Analyses at the school district level (n = 501) regarding obesity prevalence (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) according to age and gender were conducted to examine associations over time and in relation to population density, geographic boundaries, and a calculated family distress index.

RESULTS:
The mean prevalence of obesity remained stable over 3 years at ∼17.6% of elementary-aged children. However, within the state, significant differences in the prevalence of obesity were identified. Schools in the most rural areas had adjusted obesity prevalence over 2 percentage points higher than urban schools. Consistent with secular findings for the nation in general, students with families living in socioeconomic distress exhibited upward trends in obesity risk.

CONCLUSIONS:
School-based surveillance elucidates the disparate risk of obesity for younger students living in the most rural areas, a key finding for primarily rural states. Preventive interventions are needed to reach the most rural children with an emphasis on families where parents are single, are unemployed, have a lower income, and lower educational attainment.
Parents Smoking in Their Cars With Children Present
Authors: Nabi-Burza Emara , Regan Susan , Drehmer Jeremy , Ossip Deborah , Rigotti Nancy , Hipple Bethany , Dempsey Janelle , Hall Nicole , Friebely Joan , Weiley Victoria , Winickoff Jonathan P. 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:To determine prevalence and factors associated with strictly enforced smoke-free car policies among smoking parents.METHODS:As part of a cluster, randomized controlled trial addressing parental smoking, exit interviews were conducted with parents whose children were seen in 10 control pediatric practices. Parents who smoked were asked about smoking behaviors in their car and receipt of smoke-free car advice at the visit. Parents were considered to have a “strictly enforced smoke-free car policy” if they reported having a smoke-free car policy and nobody had smoked in their car within the past 3 months.RESULTS:Of 981 smoking parents, 817 (83%) had a car; of these, 795 parents answered questions about their car smoking policy. Of these 795 parents, 29% reported having a smoke-free car policy, and 24% had a strictly enforced smoke-free car policy. Of the 562 parents without a smoke-free car policy, 48% reported that smoking occurred with children present. Few parents who smoke (12%) were advised to have a smoke-free car. Multivariable logistic regression controlling for parent age, gender, education, and race showed that having a younger child and smoking ≤10 cigarettes per day were associated with having a strictly enforced smoke-free car policy.CONCLUSIONS:The majority of smoking parents exposed their children to tobacco smoke in cars. Coupled with the finding of low rates of pediatricians addressing smoking in cars, this study highlights the need for improved pediatric interventions, public health campaigns, and policies regarding smoke-free car laws to protect children from tobacco smoke.
Expected Body Weight in Adolescents: Comparison Between Weight-for-Stature and BMI Methods
Authors: Golden Neville H. , Yang Wei , Jacobson Marc S. , Robinson Thomas N. , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:
To test the hypothesis that the weight-for-stature (WFS) and BMI methods are not equivalent in determining expected body weight (EBW) in adolescents with eating disorders and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of each method to detect those &lt;75% EBW. We hypothesized that differences in EBW would be greatest at the extremes of height.

METHODS:
EBW was determined for 12 047 individual adolescents aged 12 to 19 years by the WFS and BMI methods by utilizing the same National Center for Health Statistics data sets. Absolute difference between the 2 methods for each individual was calculated and plotted against height by using a generalized additive model. The number of individuals whose weights were &lt;75% EBW was determined by each method.

RESULTS:
For girls, EBW was 3.52 ± 3.13% higher when using the WFS method compared with the BMI method. For boys, EBWWFS was 3.45 ± 2.72% higher than EBWBMI. Among adolescent girls, 65% had EBWWFS higher than EBWBMI. By using the EBWWFS method as the gold standard, specificity of the EBWBMI method to detect those &lt;75% EBW was 0.999, but sensitivity was only 0.329. Absolute differences in EBW were most pronounced at the extremes of height.

CONCLUSIONS:
The WFS and BMI methods are not equivalent in determining EBW in adolescents and are not interchangeable. EBWWFS was ∼3.5% higher than EBWBMI. In adolescents with eating disorders, use of the BMI method will underestimate the degree of malnutrition compared with the WFS method. Which method better predicts meaningful clinical outcomes remains to be determined.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression in Asthmatic School Children
Authors: Zöllner Ekkehard Werner , Lombard Carl J. , Galal Ushma , Hough F. Stephen , Irusen Elvis M. , Weinberg Eugene 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression (HPAS) when treating children with corticosteroids is thought to be rare. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of and predictive factors for various degrees of HPAS.

METHODS:
Clinical features of HPAS, doses, adherence, asthma score, and lung functions were recorded in 143 asthmatic children. The overnight metyrapone test was performed if morning cortisol was &gt;83 nmol/L. Spearman correlations coefficients (r) were calculated between 3 postmetyrapone outcomes and each continuous variable. A multiple linear regression model of √postmetyrapone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and a logistic regression model for HPAS were developed.

RESULTS:
Hypocortisolemia was seen in 6.1% (1.8–10.5), hypothalamic-pituitary suppression (HPS) in 22.2% (14.5–29.9), adrenal suppression in 32.3% (23.7–40.9), HPAS in 16.3% (9.3–23.3), and any hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in 65.1% (56.5–72.9). Log daily nasal steroid (NS) dose/m2 was associated with HPAS in the logistic regression model (odds ratio = 3.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.1–13.6]). Daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) + NS dose/m2 predicted HPAS in the univariate logistic regression model (P = .038). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity &lt;80% was associated with HPAS (odds ratio = 4.1 [95% confidence interval: 1.0–14.8]). Daily ICS + NS/m2 dose was correlated with the postmetyrapone ACTH (r = −0.29, P &lt; .001). BMI (P = .048) and percent adherence to ICS (P &lt; .001) and NS (P = .002) were predictive of √postmetyrapone ACTH (R2 = .176).

CONCLUSIONS:
Two-thirds of children on corticosteroids may have hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction. In one-third, central function had recovered but adrenal suppression persisted. Predictive factors for HPAS are NS use, BMI, and adherence to ICS and NS.