bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factor I Autoantibodies in Patients with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Kavanagh David , Pappworth Isabel Y. , Anderson Holly , Hayes Christine M. , Moore Iain , Hunze Eva-Maria , Bennaceur Karim , Roversi Pietro , Lea Susan , Strain Lisa , Ward Roy , Plant Nick , Nailescu Corina , Goodship Timothy H. J. , Marchbank Kevin J. 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a disease associated with mutations in the genes encoding the complement regulators factors H and I. In addition, factor H autoantibodies have been reported in ∼10% of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This study searched for the presence of factor I autoantibodies in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study screened 175 atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients for factor I autoantibodies using ELISA with confirmatory Western blotting. Functional studies using purified immunoglobulin from one patient were subsequently undertaken.

Results
Factor I autoantibodies were detected in three patients. In one patient with a high titer of autoantibody, the titer was tracked over time and was found to have no association with disease activity. This study found evidence of an immune complex of antibody and factor I in this patient, but purified IgG, isolated from current serum samples, had only a minor effect on fluid phase and cell surface complement regulation. Genetic analysis of the three patients with factor I autoantibodies revealed that they had two copies of the genes encoding factor H–related proteins 1 and 3 and therefore, did not have a deletion commonly associated with factor H autoantibodies in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Two patients, however, had functionally significant mutations in complement factor H.

Conclusions
These findings reinforce the concept of multiple concurrent risk factors being associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome but question whether autoantibodies per se predispose to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Primary Oxalosis Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Harambat Jérôme , van Stralen Karlijn J. , Espinosa Laura , Groothoff Jaap W. , Hulton Sally-Anne , Cerkauskiene Rimante , Schaefer Franz , Verrina Enrico , Jager Kitty J. , Cochat Pierre 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) as a cause of ESRD in children is believed to have poor outcomes. Data on management and outcomes of these children remain scarce.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study included patients aged <19 years who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) between 1979 and 2009 from 31 countries providing data to a large European registry.

Results
Of 9247 incident patients receiving RRT, 100 patients had PH. PH children were significantly younger than non-PH children at the start of RRT. The median age at RRT of PH children decreased from 9.8 years in 1979–1989 to 1.5 years in 2000–2009. Survival was 86%, 79%, and 76% among PH patients at 1, 3, and 5 years after the start of RRT, compared with 97%, 94%, and 92% in non-PH patients, resulting in a three-fold increased risk of death over non-PH patients. PH and non-PH patient survival improved over time. Sixty-eight PH children received a first kidney (n=13) or liver-kidney transplantation (n=55). Although the comparison was hampered by the lower number of kidney transplantations primarily derived from the earlier era of RRT, kidney graft survival in PH patients was 82%, 79%, and 76% at 1, 3, and 5 years for liver-kidney transplantation and 46%, 28%, and 14% at 1, 3, and 5 years for kidney transplantation alone, compared with 95%, 90%, and 85% in non-PH patients.

Conclusions
The outcomes of PH children with ESRD are still poorer than in non-PH children but have substantially improved over time.
Robustness analysis in forward modelling gravity data in crustal/lithospheric studies
Authors: Pohánka Vladimír , Vajda Peter , Bielik Miroslav , Dérerová Jana 
Published: January 2012

Robustness analysis in forward modelling gravity data in crustal/lithospheric studies
The robustness of the gravimetric forward modelling is investigated by applying the harmonic inversion procedure at the input which is the difference of the calculated and measured surface gravity. The gravity data are taken from two profiles in the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin region. The result of the inversion are density models obtained from the original two-layer models with various horizontal boundary depth and density contrast. The deformation of the originally planar boundary is the measure of the mismatch between calculated and measured data. The calculated deformation has reached up to tens of kilometers and thus the uncertainties in determining the geometry of disturbing bodies by the forward modelling are substantial.
Gravity field due to a homogeneous oblate spheroid: Simple solution form and numerical calculations
Authors: Hvoždara Milan , Kohút Igor 
Published: January 2012

Gravity field due to a homogeneous oblate spheroid: Simple solution form and numerical calculations
We present a simple derivation of the interior and exterior gravitational potentials due to oblate spheroid and also its gravity field components by using the fundamental solution of the Laplace equation in oblate spheroidal coordinates. Application of the method of separation of variables provides an expression for the potential in terms of oblate spheroidal harmonics of degree n = 0, 2. This solution is more concise and suitable for the numerical calculations in comparison with infinite series in spherical harmonics. Also presented are the computations in the form of potential isolines inside and outside the spheroid, as well as for the gravity field components. These reveal some interesting properties of the gravity field of this fundamental geophysical body useful for the applied gravimetry.
Seasonal changes in ciliate biomass and composition of the ciliate community in oligo-mesotrophic Lake Jasne (Iława Lake District, Poland)
Authors: Czychewicz Natalia , Rychert Krzysztof 
Published: January 2012

Seasonal changes in ciliate biomass and composition of the ciliate community in oligo-mesotrophic Lake Jasne (Iława Lake District, Poland)Lake Jasne, also known as Lake Czyste, is a well-known oligo-mesotrophic water body located in the Iława Lake District, Poland. Between May 2009 and June 2010 ciliate biomass and community composition were studied on the basis of Lugol-fixed samples taken from the surface waters and the near-bottom zone. The mean annual ciliate biomass amounted to 0.58 μgC l-1in the surface waters and 1.46 μgC l-1in the near-bottom zone, and therefore, the ciliate biomass is amongst the lowest estimates observed in oligotrophic waters. In the surface waters typical bimodal seasonal changes in biomass were recorded with two peaks observed in spring and autumn. In the near-bottom zone the peak was recorded only in spring. The ciliate community was dominated by prostomatids (mainlyUrotrichaspp.), both in the surface waters (77% of biomass) and in the near-bottom zone (54% of biomass).
Use of faecal pellet size to differentiate age classes in female Svalbard reindeer Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus
Authors: Morden C‐Jae C. , Weladji Robert B. , Ropstad Erik , Dahl Ellen , Holand Øystein 
Published: January 2012

AbstractProper management of threatened populations requires prior knowledge of population sizes and structures, however, current techniques to gather this information are generally impractical, costly, and can be physically stressful for the animals. Non‐invasive methods (e.g. faecal sampling) that can produce high quality and accurate results are better alternatives. Using faecal samples collected from a Svalbard reindeer Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus population in the winters of 2008 (N = 158) and 2009 (N = 161), we investigated and validated the feasibility of using faecal pellet sizes to differentiate between female calves, yearlings and adults. We found that pellets from adult females were longer than those from calves, and pellets from adults and yearlings were clearly wider than those from calves. With an accuracy of 91% correct classification, we did show that a combination of faecal pellet dimensions (length, width and depth), rather than a single dimension alone, can allow managers to clearly differentiate between age classes if pellets already identified as being from females are used. We also found a positive relationship between live weight and pellet size of the reindeer. Combined with DNA analysis to identify the gender of the animal that produced the faecal pellet, this information may provide important population parameters and be a valuable tool for the monitoring of various ungulate species including wild reindeer.
Comparison of visual‐based helicopter and fixed‐wing forward‐looking infrared surveys for counting white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Authors: Storm Daniel J. , Samuel Michael D. , Van Deelen Timothy R. , Malcolm Karl D. , Rolley Robert E. , Frost Nancy A. , Bates Donald P. , Richards Bryan J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAerial surveys using direct counts of animals are commonly used to estimate deer abundance. Forward‐looking infrared (FLIR) technology is increasingly replacing traditional methods such as visual observation from helicopters. Our goals were to compare fixed‐wing FLIR and visual, helicopter‐based counts in terms of relative bias, influence of snow cover and cost. We surveyed five plots: four 41.4 km2 plots with free‐ranging white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus populations in Wisconsin and a 5.3 km2 plot with a white‐tailed deer population contained by a high fence in Michigan. We surveyed plots using both fixed‐wing FLIR and helicopters, both with snow cover and without snow. None of the methods counted more deer than the other when snow was present. Helicopter counts were lower in the absence of snow, but lack of snow cover did not apparently affect FLIR. Group sizes of observed deer were similar regardless of survey method or season. We found that FLIR counts were generally precise (CV = 0.089) when two or three replicate surveys were conducted within a few hours. However, at the plot level, FLIR counts differed greatly between seasons, suggesting that detection rates vary over larger time scales. Fixed‐wing FLIR was more costly than visual observers in helicopters and was more restrictive in terms of acceptable survey conditions. Further research is needed to understand what factors influence the detection of deer during FLIR surveys.
The impact of segmental and en bloc derotation maneuvers on scoliosis correction and rib prominence in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Hwang Steven W. , Samdani Amer F. , Cahill Patrick J. 
Published: January 2012

Object
Idiopathic scoliosis is a pathological process influencing the spinal column in 3 dimensions. Initial surgical treatment focused primarily on correction in the coronal plane, and with improved instrumentation, increasing attention has targeted balancing the sagittal profile. Newer surgical techniques now permit operative corrective forces to also directly address axial rotation. Although several technical variations of direct vertebral body derotation (DVBD) have been devised, no studies have compared outcomes from the differing techniques. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the differences between segmental and en bloc DVBD.

Methods
A large prospectively collected database was queried for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior spinal fusion and for whom there was a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. In all patients some type of DVBD maneuver was performed (segmental, en bloc, or both). Any patients with concurrent thoracoplasties were excluded.

Results
The authors identified 188 patients, of whom 120 underwent segmental derotation, 17 en bloc derotation, and 51 both. No significant radiographic or clinical differences existed among the groups preoperatively. The mean preoperative thoracic curve in the entire cohort was 53.1° ± 14.1° and the mean thoracic rib prominence was 14.0° ± 5.5°, whereas the respective postoperative values were 19.3° ± 8.3° and 7.2° ± 4.0°. No significant difference was identified between the various techniques postoperatively, either. However, when comparing intraoperative variables, significant differences were found for operative duration (p = 0.0001), estimated blood loss (p = 0.0081), and volume of blood transfusions (p = 0.041).

Conclusions
Although each surgical technique of DBVD may have theoretical benefits and risks, no apparent difference in outcomes was observed between techniques. The concurrent use of both techniques was associated with increased blood loss and operative duration without any appreciable benefit. The surgeon should adopt the derotation technique with which he or she is most comfortable, but concurrent use of both does not appear to improve results.
Vertebral compression fracture risk after stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastases
Authors: Boehling Nicholas S. , Grosshans David R. , Allen Pamela K. , McAleer Mary F. , Burton Allen W. , Azeem Syed , Rhines Laurence D. , Chang Eric L. 
Published: January 2012

Object
The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for and determine the rate of vertebral compression fracture (VCF) after intensity-modulated, near-simultaneous, CT image–guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases.

Methods
The study group consisted of 123 vertebral bodies (VBs) in 93 patients enrolled in prospective protocols for metastatic disease. Data from these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Stereotactic body radiotherapy consisted of 1, 3, or 5 fractions for overall median doses of 18, 27, and 30 Gy, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging studies, obtained at baseline and at each follow-up, were evaluated for VCFs, tumor involvement, and radiographic progression. Self-reported average pain levels were scored based on the 11-point (0–10) Brief Pain Inventory both at baseline and at follow-up. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30.

Results
The median imaging follow-up was 14.9 months (range 1–71 months). Twenty-five new or progressing fractures (20%) were identified, and the median time to progression was 3 months after SBRT. The most common histologies included renal cancer (36 VBs, 10 fractures, 10 tumor progressions), breast cancer (20 VBs, 0 fractures, 5 tumor progressions), thyroid cancer (14 VBs, 1 fracture, 2 tumor progressions), non–small cell lung cancer (13 VBs, 3 fractures, 3 tumor progressions), and sarcoma (9 VBs, 2 fractures, 2 tumor progressions). Fifteen VBs were treated with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty after SBRT, with 5 procedures done for preexisting VCFs. Tumor progression was noted in 32 locations (26%) with 5 months' median time to progression. At the time of noted fracture progression there was a trend toward higher average pain scores but no significant change in the median value. Univariate logistic regression showed that an age > 55 years (HR 6.05, 95% CI 2.1–17.47), a preexisting fracture (HR 5.05, 95% CI 1.94–13.16), baseline pain and narcotic use before SBRT (pain: HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06–1.62; narcotic: HR 2.98, 95% CI 1.17–7.56) and after SBRT (pain: HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06–1.70; narcotic: HR 3.63, 95% CI 1.41–9.29) were statistically significant predictors of fracture progression. On multivariate analysis an age > 55 years (HR 10.66, 95% CI 2.81–40.36), a preexisting fracture (HR 9.17, 95% CI 2.31–36.43), and baseline pain (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05–1.9) were found to be significant risks, whereas obesity (HR 0.02, 95% CI 0–0.2) was protective.

Conclusions
Stereotactic body radiotherapy is associated with a significant risk (20%) of VCF. Risk factors for VCF include an age > 55 years, a preexisting fracture, and baseline pain. These risk factors may aid in the selection of which spinal SBRT patients should be considered for prophylactic vertebral stabilization or augmentation procedures. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00508443.
Postvertebroplasty instability
Authors: Nagad Premik , Rawall Saurabh , Kundnani Vishal , Mohan Kapil , Patil Sanganagouda S. , Nene Abhay 
Published: January 2012

Vertebroplasty provides excellent pain relief and functional restoration for osteoporotic fractures. Short-term complications such as cement leak and embolism are well described. Incident fractures are the only well-reported long-term complications. The authors describe the cases of 5 patients who presented with back pain caused by instability or worsening neurological status 13 months (range 8–17 months) after vertebroplasty. They further classify this postvertebroplasty instability into intervertebral instability and intravertebral instability, depending on the apex of abnormal mobility.
One patient presented with cement migration and progressive collapse of the augmented vertebral body. Another patient presented with an additional fracture. Both cases were classified as intravertebral instability. The cases of 3 other patients presenting with adjacent endplate erosion, vacuum disc phenomenon, and bridging osteophyte formation were classified as having intervertebral instability.
Long-term effect of cements on the augmented vertebral body and adjacent endplates and discs is a cause for concern. Vertebroplasty acts as a mechanical stabilizer and provides structural support but does not bring about union. Micromotion has been shown to persist for years after vertebroplasty. This study describes persistent instability after vertebroplasty in a series of 5 cases. The authors propose that postvertebroplasty instability occurs due to collapse of soft osteoporotic bone and endplates around cement. All 3 cases of intervertebral instability were associated with an intradiscal cement leak. With increased longevity and higher functional demands of the geriatric population, the durability of this “rock (cement) between cushions (of osteoporotic bone)” arrangement (as seen in vertebroplasty) will be increasingly challenged.
Development of microsatellite markers for Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae)
Authors: Kameyama Y. 
Published: January 2012

• Premise of the study: Cinnamomum camphora is an evergreen tree distributed in southern Japan, Taiwan, and southeastern China. Because of its vast utilization and cultivation, the natural distribution area of this species has been controversial.• Methods and Results: I isolated and characterized 22 microsatellite loci in C. camphora. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated in 104 adult trees from three populations in Japan: Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine), Kajiya Plantation, and Manazuru Peninsula. The mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 4.1 to 8.0 among populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities per population ranged from 0.53 to 0.60 and 0.55 to 0.68, respectively.• Conclusions: All of 22 loci showed a clear and strong single band for each allele, and revealed a useful degree of polymorphism. The microsatellite markers described here will be useful to study the history, population dynamics, mating system, and genetic structure of C. camphora.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and HLA DRB1*04 Cosegregation in Saudi Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Al-Attas Omar , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Draz Hossam M. , Agliardi Cristina , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Guerini Franca R. , Clerici Mario 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been involved in the modulation of susceptibility to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, and could play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Susceptibility to T2DM was recently also suggested to associate with HLA alleles. We evaluated possible correlations between VDR polymorphisms, HLA alleles, and risk for development of T2DM by analyzing 627 individuals (368 T2DM patients and 259 healthy control subjects) part of a well-characterized cohort followed in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Genomic DNA was genotyped for the VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms of Fok-1, Taq-1, ApaI, and Bsm-I. Analyses were run by allelic discrimination real-time PCR. HLA genotyping was performed as well by PCR using sequence-specific primers, whereas cytokine production was evaluated by FACS. Results showed T2DM to be significantly associated with the VDR Taq1 (rs731236-AG) and Bsm-I (rs1544410-CT) genotypes, and the VDR rs1544410-T allele. Cosegregations resulting in significant increases of T2DM odds ratio were detected between Taq1 and Bsm-I VDR polymorphisms and HLA DRB1*04. Notably, the VDR polymorphisms observed to be more frequent in T2DM patients correlated with increased VDR expression and IL-12 production, as well as with metabolic parameters of susceptibility to T2DM, including serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels. VDR polymorphisms are present in T2DM, and correlate with HLA DRB1*04 and with immunologic and metabolic parameters; results from this study add T2DM to the list of diseases that are likely modulated by an HLA/VDR interaction.
Risedronate's Role in Reducing Hip Fracture in Postmenopausal Women with Established Osteoporosis
Authors: Gates Brian J. , Das Shyamal 
Published: January 2012

Osteoporosis is a significant concern for postmenopausal women and is a critical factor in hip fracture. Examining evidence for osteoporosis medications in hip fracture is important for optimizing treatment. Purpose Review risedronate's role for hip fracture in postmenopausal women. Methods A literature search was conducted using Medline and Web of Science. The search was limited using the terms “risedronate” and “hip fracture,” and to studies that included women. Similar articles linked to the search and pertinent articles in bibliographies were also examined. Results Risedronate has demonstrated efficacy and cost effectiveness for hip fracture, but may not be beneficial for patients with low fracture risk. Risedronate is generally well tolerated, but may cause side effects in some patient populations. Conclusion Risedronate has benefit for hip fracture, but patients should be carefully screened to determine the appropriateness of risedronate before starting treatment.