bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sirolimus as renal and immunological rescue agent in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Basso Maria‐Sole , Subramaniam Pushpa , Tredger Mike , Verma Anita , Heaton Nigel , Rela Mohamed , Mieli‐Vergani Giorgina , Dhawan Anil 
Published: October 2011

Basso M‐S, Subramaniam P, Tredger M, Verma A, Heaton N, Rela M, Mieli‐Vergani G, Dhawan A. Sirolimus as renal and immunological rescue agent in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 722–727. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  CNI have improved the outcome of LT. However, their inherent potential to nephrotoxic and sometimes‐inadequate immunosuppressive effect has lead to the usage of newer drugs like SRL. Aim of this study was to review children who received SRL. Thirty‐seven (20 women) children post‐LT, median age 10.4 yr (0.8–17.4) with a minimum follow‐up of six months comprised the study group. Indications for SRL were biopsy‐proven resistant acute allograft rejection (n = 12), early CR (n = 12), and CNI‐induced nephropathy with MMF intolerance (n = 11). In two patients, the indication was the recurrence of BSEP disease in the allograft. In patients with acute rejection, AST normalized in 10/12 patients. In patients with CR, AST normalized in 6/12 patients. Those with renal impairment showed improvement in their creatinine levels from a mean baseline of 99–56.7 μm (p = 0.03) and their mean cystatin C was 1.02 after SRL. Side effects leading to discontinuation of SRL were seen in three patients. SRL was effective in rescuing patients with acute and chronic allograft rejection and improving renal function in CNI‐induced nephropathy group.
Red blood cell transfusions in children awaiting heart transplantation
Authors: Mahle William T. , Berg Alexandria M. , Kanter Kirk R. 
Published: October 2011

Mahle WT, Berg AM, Kanter KR. Red blood cell transfusions in children awaiting heart transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 728–732. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  In children awaiting heart transplantation, the benefits of RBC transfusion must be weighed against the potential risks of allosensitization. We sought to describe the use of RBC transfusion and erythropoietin in children with heart failure, as well as assess the impact of these measures on allosensitization. Hospitalized patients listed for heart transplantation between 1/03 and 12/10 were included in the analysis. We excluded patients supported by mechanical support or those highly sensitized prior to listing. Sixty‐seven subjects (median age of 6.2 yr) met inclusion criteria. The mean waitlist time was 19.5 days. The majority of subjects, 50 (75%), received at least one RBC transfusion while listed. For those who were transfused, the median number of RBC transfusion events was 3, range: 1–8. Erythropoietin was given to 37 (55%) of subjects. Erythropoietin administration was not associated with subsequent need for transfusion (p = 0.61). Of the 50 subjects who received RBC transfusion, none developed significant elevation of serum PRA by the time of transplant. RBC transfusion may be commonly undertaken in hospitalized children awaiting transplantation. The likelihood of allosensitization following leukoreduced RBC transfusion is extremely low. The benefits of routine erythropoietin administration to reduce the need for transfusion remain to be determined.
Sewage‐induced polychaete reefs in a SW Atlantic shore: rapid response to small‐scale disturbance
Authors: Garaffo Griselda V. , Jaubet María L. , Sánchez María de los Á. , Rivero María S. , Vallarino Eduardo A. , Elías Rodolfo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe intertidal zone around Mar del Plata’s sewage discharge (38° S, 57° W) is characterized by the presence of the non‐indigenous spionid polychaete Boccardia proboscidea. This species has been classified as tolerant to moderate and high levels of organic contamination. During early stages of colonization this species can reach very high densities without suffering from interspecific competition, building biogenic structures such as reef. The aim of this work was evaluate the recovery time of the reef to a small‐scale experimental physical disturbance. Five independent rocks with B. proboscidea reefs on them were selected randomly and a small‐scale disturbance was generated by corers (16 cm2). At the beginning of the experiment, six corers were collected in each reef to produce the disturbance. The original density of B. proboscidea in each reef was determined in these corers. The reefs with disturbed corer were sampled on successive days to assess the reef recovery time. The number of larvae, juveniles and adults was quantified. Polychaete reefs had very high densities before the disturbance (mean density: 1,021,250 ind m−2). Boccardia proboscidea reefs had a fast recovery rate after small‐scale disturbance. Four days after disturbance the density reached about 50% of the original density and after 5 days the disturbed reefs could not be differentiated from the undisturbed reef. The initial recolonization of disturbed patches occurs as a result of migration which appears to be driven by larvae and juveniles. These reefs can not be seen as biodiversity hotspots and the presence of the species demonstrates great environmental deterioration.
Validity and reliability of the Malay‐language translation of the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Lee Yeong Yeh , Waid Anuar , Tan Huck Joo , Andrew Chua Seng Boon , Whitehead William E 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The Malay language is widely used within the "Malay Archipelago" particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Brunei with a combined population of 300 million. There are no reliable data on the epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the Malay speaking population because the Rome Diagnostic Questionnaire has not been translated and validated for the Malay language. The current study aimed to translate and validate the Rome III IBS Diagnostic Questionnaire, Red Flag and Psychosocial Alarm questionnaires into the Malay language.Methods:  Forward and backward translations of the source questionnaires were performed according to guidelines from the Rome foundation. The Malay translated questionnaires were assessed for clarity in a group of 10 volunteers. Psychometric properties of the questionnaires were assessed in 31 subjects with IBS based on Rome II symptom criteria and 31 healthy controls prospectively. Test‐retest reliability was assessed using intra‐class correlation (ICC) over a 14‐day interval. The sensitivity and specificity of the IBS diagnostic module for distinguishing IBS patients from controls was tested.Results:  The ICC for the IBS module was 0.996 (95% confidence interval 0.991–0.998) with good discriminant validity (P < 0.001). ICCs for the Red Flags and Psychosocial Alarm questionnaires were 0.962 and 0.994 respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the translated Rome III IBS module against Rome II criteria was 80.65%, 100% and 100%, respectively.Conclusion:  The translated Malay language Rome III IBS Diagnostic Questionnaire and the questionnaires for Red Flags and Psychosocial Alarm symptoms are valid and reliable.
Oral manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Ranjitkar Sarbin , Smales Roger J. , Kaidonis John A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNumerous case‐control and other studies involving confirmation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by esophageal pH‐metry and the assessment of dental erosions have shown significant associations between the two conditions in both adults and children. By contrast, when asked to vote on whether GERD may cause dental erosions, only 42% of physicians strongly agreed that such an association existed in adults, and just 12.5% strongly agreed for children, respectively in two global consensus reports. Part of this divergence between the perceptions of physicians and the findings of research publications may reflect a general lack of oral health education during medical training, and cursory oral examinations being made under less‐than‐ideal conditions. Adequate salivary secretions are essential for the protection of the teeth and the oropharyngeal and esophageal mucosa. The quantity and quality of the saliva require monitoring as many drugs, including several of the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can cause hyposalivation. In addition, PPIs do not always result in adequate acid suppression. Therefore, collaboration between physicians and dentists is strongly advocated to prevent or ameliorate possible adverse oral effects from both endogenous and exogenous acids, and to promote adequate saliva production in patients with GERD.
Phenotypic and mutation spectrums of Thai patients with isovaleric acidemia
Authors: Vatanavicharn Nithiwat , Liammongkolkul Somporn , Sakamoto Osamu , Sathienkijkanchai Achara , Wasant Pornswan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of isovaleryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (IVD). Clinical features include vomiting, lethargy, metabolic acidosis, and “sweaty feet” odor. The pathognomonic metabolite, isovalerylglycine, is detected on urine organic acid analysis. Clinical diagnosis of IVA can be confirmed on mutation analysis of the IVD gene.Methods:  The cases of five unrelated Thai patients with IVA, identified on urine organic acid analysis, are described. Mutation analysis of the IVD gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the entire coding regions.Results:  Four out of the five IVA patients had an acute neonatal form. The hematologic abnormalities were common and thus could be presenting symptoms in the absence of metabolic acidosis. As for the neurological outcome, only one patient had normal intelligence. Mutation analysis of the IVD gene identified the mutations c.457–3_2CA>GG, c.1199A>G (p.Y371C), c.281C>G (p.A65G), c.358G>A (p.G91R), and c.827T>C (p.L247P). The poor outcome in most patients might be explained by the delayed diagnosis and initial unavailability of the metabolic formulas and medications in Thailand. The c.457–3_2CA>GG mutation was identified in all of the present patients. This suggests that it is the most common mutation in the Thai population. Therefore, it could be a founder mutation in Thai subjects. One of the present Thai IVA patients also had the p.Y371C mutation, which is common in Han Chinese subjects. In addition, two novel mutations, p.A65G and p.L247P, were identified.Conclusion:  The present study provides additional knowledge on the genotype–phenotype of IVA, suggesting that IVD mutations in Asian populations are distinct from these in Western populations.
Screening glaucoma genes in adult glaucoma suggests a multiallelic contribution of CYP1B1 to open‐angle glaucoma phenotypes
Authors: Patel Hussain Y , Richards Amanda J , De Karolyi Betina , Best Stephen J , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V , Vincent Andrea L 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground:  Despite increasing knowledge of the genetic pathophysiology of glaucoma, mutations in known genes account for less than 15% of disease. Gene screening predominantly remains a research tool rather than an essential part of the clinical work‐up. We aimed to determine the mutational spectrum and frequency in the genes implicated in glaucoma, in a range of glaucoma and ‘glaucoma suspect’ (GS) participants, with a positive family history.Methods:  Observational large case series. One hundred fifteen patients recruited from public hospital and private clinics had diagnoses of GS, ocular hypertension, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) or primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), and at least one affected family member. In a university laboratory, DNA samples were screened for mutations in all coding exons of MYOC and CYP1B1, and OPTN (exons 4, 5 and 16). WDR36 (exons 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 13 and 17) was screened in those with CYP1B1 changes. LOXL1 risk variants were screened in PXG pedigrees. Cascade screening of family members was undertaken.Results:  Seven out of one hundred fifteen (6.1%) individuals had at least one pathogenic or hypomorphic CYP1B1 allele associated with GS, POAG (5) and PXG phenotypes, including two novel sequence variations (p.Ser6Gly, p.Val243Leu). No pathogenic MYOC change was detected. Five individuals (4.3%) carried an OPTN sequence variation. Three of the seven with CYP1B1 changes had polygenic changes.Conclusions:  Mutational analysis of known glaucoma genes in a mixed glaucoma population replicates the reported frequency of pathogenic CYP1B1 changes. Heterozygous CYP1B1 changes occurred at a greater frequency than other genes. Glaucoma pathogenesis in the clinic setting is genetically heterogeneous and may be polygenic.
Analysis of lower limb bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Kim Ji‐Won , Kwon Yuri , Kim Yu‐Mi , Chung Hong‐Young , Eom Gwang‐Moon , Jun Jae‐Hoon , Lee Jeong‐Whan , Koh Seong‐Beom , Park Byung Kyu , Kwon Dae‐Kyu 
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Bradykinesia of the lower limb is an important limiting factor of the quality of life in parkinsonian patients. This study aims to develop quantitative measures of bradykinesia and to investigate the possible dissociation of amplitude and velocity measures and their dependence on movement direction during toe‐tapping.Methods:  Subjects included 39 patients with PD, as well as 14 healthy control subjects. A gyrosensor on the dorsum of a foot was used to measure ankle joint movement during toe‐tapping. Four representations (root‐mean square, mean peak, coefficient of variation in peaks, peak in the last 5 s) for each of amplitude and velocity and for each of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion movement of toe‐tapping were investigated. Outcome measures were compared between patients and controls, and their correlations with clinical scores were investigated. Category distributions of outcome measures in patients were analyzed.Results:  All outcome measures were smaller in patients than in controls (P < 0.001) and correlated well with clinical scores (P < 0.01). The mean peak of plantar‐flexion velocity and variation of dorsiflexion velocity best represented the clinical toe‐tapping score (r = 0.72–0.81). All clinical scores showed better correlation with velocity than with amplitude, and velocity was more affected (dispersed from the performance of controls) than amplitude. Movement directions had a slight effect on the results; specifically, the magnitude measures better correlated during plantar flexion and the variation measure better correlated during dorsiflexion.Conclusion:  The suggested measures represented clinical scores well and are expected to be helpful in clinical diagnosis of lower limb bradykinesia. Possible dissociations of amplitude and speed impairments and of movement directions in PD deserve further investigation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 257–264.
Use of a sclerosing agent (1% polidocanol) to treat an orbital mucocele in a dog
Authors: Stuckey Jane Ashley , Miller William W. , Almond Gregory T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA case of a salivary gland mucocele in a dog causing nonpainful exopthalmos with dorsolateral deviation of the globe and protrusion of the third eyelid. Diagnosis was made via ultrasound and confirmed with computed tomography. Aspiration of the cystic material along with injection of a sclerosing agent, 1% polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol), was used to destroy the mucocele. Follow‐up monthly examination post injection confirmed resolution of clinical signs to date, namely abnormal globe position, with no complications observed.
Prevalence of abnormal plasma liver enzymes in older people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Morling J. R. , Strachan M. W. J. , Hayes P. C. , Butcher I. , Frier B. M. , Reynolds R. M. , Price J. F. ,   on behalf of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study investigators
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 488–491 (2012)AbstractAims  To determine the prevalence and distribution of abnormal plasma liver enzymes in a representative sample of older adults with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  Plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and γ‐glutamyltransferase were measured in a randomly selected, population‐based cohort of 1066 men and women aged 60–75 years with Type 2 diabetes (the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study).Results  Overall, 29.1% (95% CI 26.1–31.8) of patients had one or more plasma liver enzymes above the upper limit of the normal reference range. Only 10.1% of these patients had a prior history of liver disease and a further 12.4% reported alcohol intake above recommended limits. Alanine aminotransferase was the most commonly raised liver enzyme (23.1% of patients). The prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes was significantly higher in men (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.07–1.83), in the youngest 5‐year age band (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.44–2.84), in patients with diabetes duration < 5 years (odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.01–1.90), plasma HbA1c≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) (odds ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.09–1.88), obese BMI (odds ratio 2.84, 95% CI 1.59–3.06) and secondary care management for their diabetes (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.05–1.87). However, all these factors combined accounted for only 7.6% of the variation in liver enzyme abnormality.Conclusions  The prevalence of elevated liver enzymes in people with Type 2 diabetes is high, with only modest variation between clinically defined patient groups. Further research is required to determine the prognostic value of raised, routinely measured liver enzymes to inform decisions on appropriate follow‐up investigations.
Physical activity, family history of diabetes and risk of developing hyperglycaemia and diabetes among adults in Mainland China
Authors: Xu F. , Wang Y. , Ware R. S. , Tse L. Ah , Dunstan D. W. , Liang Y. , Wang Z. , Hong X. , Owen N. 
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 593–599 (2012)AbstractAims  To investigate the joint influence of physical activity and family history of diabetes on the subsequent risk of developing hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes among Chinese adults.Methods  A prospective community‐based cohort study was conducted among adults aged 35 years and older during 2004–2007 in Nanjing, China. Four communities (three urban and one rural) were randomly selected from 11 urban districts and two rural counties. Hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes were defined using World Health Organization criteria based on fasting blood glucose concentration and physicians’ diagnosis, respectively. Physical activity, parental diabetes history, and other important covariates were assessed at baseline and in the third‐year follow‐up survey.Results  At study conclusion data were collected from 3031 participants (follow‐up rate 81.3%). The 3‐year cumulative incidence of hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes was 6.2% and 2.4%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, compared with those with positive family history and insufficient physical activity, the adjusted relative risk ratio (95% CI) of developing hyperglycaemia was 0.19 (0.02, 1.51) for participants with sufficient physical activity and a positive family history; 0.55 (0.31, 0.97) for participants with insufficient physical activity and a negative family history; and 0.36 (0.19, 0.70) for participants with sufficient physical activity but a negative family history. Participants who had a negative family history and insufficient physical activity were also less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes (RRR = 0.28; 0.14, 0.54), and participants with a negative family history and sufficient physical activity were the least likely to develop Type 2 diabetes (0.23; 0.10, 0.56).Conclusions  Sufficient physical activity and negative family history of diabetes may jointly reduce the risk of developing hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes in Chinese adults.
THE EFFECT OF FDI ON LOCAL EDUCATION EXPENDITURES: EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Zhuang Hong 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe intense competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) by state and local governments within the United States has raised concerns among some that this leads to the underprovision of public services and possibly welfare losses for local communities. Economic analysis of this hypothesis yields mixed results. This paper investigates the impact of FDI on local education expenditures both theoretically and empirically. The theoretical model shows an ambiguous impact of FDI on local expenditures for education. Empirically using US state‐level data from 1991 to 2000 and the system‐GMM estimator that controls for fixed effects, times series issues and endogeneity, I find evidence that FDI is positively correlated with increased expenditures on education.
FDI Policy, Greenfield Investment and Cross‐border Mergers
Authors: Qiu Larry D. , Wang Shengzu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper examines a multinational's choice between greenfield investment and cross‐border merger when it enters another country via foreign direct investment (FDI) and faces the host country's FDI policy. Greenfield investment incurs a fixed plant setup cost, whereas the foreign firm obtains only a share of the joint profit from a cross‐border merger under the restriction of the FDI policy. This trade‐off is affected by market demand, cost differential, and market competition, among other things. The host country's government chooses its FDI policy to affect (or alter) the multinational's entry mode to achieve the maximum social welfare for the domestic country. We characterize the conditions shaping the optimal FDI policy and offer intuitions on FDI patterns in developing and developed countries.
The Byrd Amendment as Facilitating a Tacit International Business Collusion
Authors: Ogawa Yoshitomo , Ono Yoshiyasu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper analyzes the effect of the Byrd Amendment, which amended the US Tariff Act of 1930 to allow revenues from antidumping duties to be distributed to domestic import‐competing firms. In an international oligopoly framework it is shown that it urges the home firm to restrict output so that the foreign firm increases output and pays more duties. Consequently, not only the home firm but also the foreign firm is better off while only consumers are worse off. Home total surplus also increases under this policy especially when the home firm is very inefficient.
The Medieval Origins of Conceivability Arguments
Authors: Boulter Stephen 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe central recommendation of this article is that philosophers trained in the analytic tradition ought to add the sensibilities and skills of the historian to their methodological toolkit. The value of an historical approach to strictly philosophical matters is illustrated by a case study focussing on the medieval origin of conceivability arguments and contemporary views of modality. It is shown that common metaphilosophical views about the nature of the philosophical enterprise as well as certain inference patterns found in thinkers from Descartes to Chalmers have their origin in the theological concerns of the Scholastics. Since these assumptions and inference patterns are difficult to motivate when shorn of their original theological context, the upshot is that much post‐Cartesian philosophy is cast in an altogether unfamiliar, and probably unwelcome, light. The methodological point, however, is that this philosophical gain is born of acquaintance with the history of ideas.