bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double‐blind, crossover study comparing two‐ and four‐dose hydrocortisone regimen with regard to quality of life, cortisol and ACTH profiles in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Ekman Bertil , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Lindström Torbjörn , Wahlberg Jeanette , Blomgren Johan , Arnqvist Hans J. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryContextCurrent guidelines on how to divide the daily cortisol substitution dose in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) are controversial and mainly based on empirical data.ObjectiveTo assess how an equal dose of hydrocortisone (HC) given either four times daily or twice daily influence diurnal profiles of cortisol and ACTH, patient preferences and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).DesignDouble blind, crossover.MethodsFifteen patients with PAI (six women) were included. Capsules of HC or placebo were given at 07:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 22:00 h in 4‐week treatment periods: either one period with four doses (10 + 10 + 5 + 5 mg) or one period with two doses (20 + 0 + 10 + 0 mg). Diurnal profiles of cortisol and ACTH were collected, and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Questionnaires were used to evaluate patient preferences and HRQoL.ResultsThe four‐dose regimen gave a higher serum cortisol before tablet intake in the morning (P = 0·027) and a higher 24‐h cortisolAUC (P < 0·0001) compared with the two‐dose period. In contrast, a lower median plasma ACTH in the morning before tablet intake (P = 0·003) and a lower 24‐h ln(ACTHAUC) were found during the four‐dose period. The patients preferred the four‐dose regimen (P = 0·03), and the HRQoL scores tended to be higher (high score indicates better HRQoL) for the four‐dose period. In summary, a four‐dose regimen gives increased availability of cortisol and an enhanced effect with a less elevated ACTH in the morning in comparison with a two‐dose regimen but the effect on HRQoL remains inconclusive.
Prevalence and progression of basal ganglia calcification and its pathogenic mechanism in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Goswami Ravinder , Sharma Raju , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla , Gupta Nandita , Ganapathy Arthi , Das Sathi 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe pathogenesis of basal ganglia calcification (BGC) in hypoparathyroidism is not clear. Its occurrence in hypocalcaemic milieu of hypoparathyroidism is believed to be due to high serum calcium–phosphorus product and poor calcium control.ObjectiveTo report details of BGC in patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IH) and factors determining its progression during follow‐up.MethodClinical, biochemical characteristics and a meningioma‐expressed antigen‐6 (MGEA6) gene polymorphism were analysed in 145 patients with IH, recruited since 1998, to determine the factors associated with BGC. The progression of BGC and its relationship with metabolic control of serum calcium, phosphorus, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were assessed after a mean of 6·9 ± 3·5 years in 49 of them.ResultsBasal ganglia calcification was present in 73·8% (95% CI: 66·6%–81·0%) of subjects affecting the globus pallidus (68·8%) putamen (55·9%) and caudate nucleus (54·8%). The other sites calcified were grey–white junction (39·8%), cerebellar parenchyma (31·2%), thalamus (29·0%) and dentate nuclei (24·7%). Parkinsonism and dystonic symptoms were present in three cases. The presence of BGC at presentation was associated with calcification of the choroid plexus, cataract and an increased risk of seizures but not tetany. The progression of BGC during follow‐up was related to calcium/phosphorus ratio. For every 1% increase in this ratio, the odds of progression decreased by 5% (OR: 0·95, 95% CI: 0·93–0·99, P < 0·001). A MGEA6 polymorphism, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D did not affect progression of BGC.ConclusionBasal ganglia calcification occurs in 73·8% of patients with IH and correlates with the duration of hypocalcaemia, choroid plexus calcification, seizures and cataract. The progression of BGC is related to the calcium/phosphorus ratio during follow‐up. This brings forth the importance of adequate phosphorus control in the management of hypoparathyroidism.
Dietary habits and their relationship with hormones and metabolism in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Altieri Paola , Cavazza Carla , Pasqui Francesca , Morselli Antonio M. , Gambineri Alessandra , Pasquali Renato 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjectiveThis study investigates energy intake, macronutrient composition and habitual food choices in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls similar for age and body mass index (BMI), and their relationship with hormonal and metabolic parameters.DesignCase–control study carried out in an academic hospital in Bologna, Italy.PatientsOne‐hundred obese or overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2) women with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, and 100 age‐ and BMI‐matched controls.MeasurementsDietary habits were investigated by means of the 7 days food diary. Fasting hormones and metabolic parameters were investigated in all subjects.ResultsWe showed that diet does not differ between the two groups as regards energy, macronutrient and advanced glycosylated end product intake, except for a lower percentage of energy from lipids and a higher intake of fibres by PCOS women. PCOS women were characterized by a higher consumption of cheese and high‐glycaemic index starchy sweets and a preference for raw oil rather than other cooked fats, compared to controls. The PCOS or control status influenced some of the relationships between dietary components, food choices and metabolic parameters, particularly insulinAUC and HDL‐cholesterol.ConclusionsThis study did not find major differences in dietary habits between PCOS and normoandrogenic control women. Our findings support the hypothesis that specific foods may influence metabolic and hormonal pattern and that this relationship may be differently regulated in PCOS and normoandrogenic women; however, they give little support to the hypothesis of a strong dependence of PCOS status on nutritional factors.
A small RNA that regulates motility and biofilm formation in response to changes in nutrient availability in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thomason Maureen K. , Fontaine Fanette , De Lay Nicholas , Storz Gisela 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIn bacteria, many small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are induced in response to specific environmental signals or stresses and act by base‐pairing with mRNA targets to affect protein translation or mRNA stability. In Escherichia coli, the gene for the sRNA IS061/IsrA, here renamed McaS, was predicted to reside in an intergenic region between abgR, encoding a transcription regulator and ydaL, encoding a small MutS‐related protein. We show that McaS is a ∼ 95 nt transcript whose expression increases over growth, peaking in early‐to‐mid stationary phase, or when glucose is limiting. McaS uses three discrete single‐stranded regions to regulate mRNA targets involved in various aspects of biofilm formation. McaS represses csgD, the transcription regulator of curli biogenesis and activates flhD, the master transcription regulator of flagella synthesis leading to increased motility, a process not previously reported to be regulated by sRNAs. McaS also regulates pgaA, a porin required for the export of the polysaccharide poly β‐1,6‐N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine. Consequently, high levels of McaS result in increased biofilm formation while a strain lacking mcaS shows reduced biofilm formation. Based on our observations, we propose that, in response to limited nutrient availability, increasing levels of McaS modulate steps in the progression to a sessile lifestyle.
SpyA is a membrane‐bound ADP‐ribosyltransferase of Streptococcus pyogenes which modifies a streptococcal peptide, SpyB
Authors: Korotkova Natalia , Hoff Jessica S. , Becker Devon M. , Quinn John Kyle Heggen , Icenogle Laura M. , Moseley Steve L. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAll sequenced genomes of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) encode a protein, SpyA, with homology to C3‐like ADP‐ribosyltransferase toxins. SpyA is a novel virulence factor which plays a role in pathogenesis in a mouse model of soft‐tissue infection. In this study we demonstrate that SpyA is a surface‐exposed membrane protein which is anchored to the streptococcal membrane by an N‐terminal transmembrane sequence. We identified a small gene upstream of spyA, designated spyB, which encodes a peptide of 35 amino acids, and is co‐transcribed with spyA. Expression of spyBA is strongly influenced by translational coupling: mutational inactivation of spyB translation completely abolishes translation of spyA. spyB expression increases with increasing cell density and reaches its maximum at late exponential growth phase. The SpyB N‐terminus is predicted to fold into an amphipathic α‐helix, a structural motif that targets a protein to the cytoplasmic membrane. Consistent with the prediction, we found that a SpyB fusion with peptide affinity tags is located in the streptococcal membrane. An ADP‐ribosylation assay with recombinant SpyA demonstrated that SpyA modifies SpyB. Thus, our study suggests that ADP‐ribosylation of SpyB may be an important function of SpyA.
Randomized pharmacodynamic and pharmacogenetic trial of dronabinol effects on colon transit in irritable bowel syndrome‐diarrhea
Authors: Wong B. S. , Camilleri M. , Eckert D. , Carlson P. , Ryks M. , Burton D. , Zinsmeister A. R. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Genetic variation in endocannabinoid metabolism is associated with colonic transit in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea (IBS‐D). The nonselective cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist, dronabinol (DRO), reduced fasting colonic motility in nonconstipated IBS. FAAH and CNR1 variants influenced DRO’s effects on colonic motility. Our aims were: (i) to compare dose‐related effects of DRO to placebo (PLA) on gut transit in IBS‐D, and (ii) to examine influence of genetic variations in CB mechanisms on DRO’s transit effects.Methods  Thirty‐six IBS‐D volunteers were randomized (double‐blind, concealed allocation) to twice per day PLA (n = 13), DRO 2.5 mg (n = 10), or DRO 5 mg (n = 13) for 2 days. We assessed gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit by validated radioscintigraphy and genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms CNR1 rs806378 and FAAH rs324420. Data analysis utilized a dominant genetic model.Key Results  Overall treatment effects of DRO on gastric, small bowel, or colonic transit were not detected. CNR1 rs806378 CT/TT was associated with a modest delay in colonic transit at 24 h compared with CC (P = 0.13 for differential treatment effects on postminus pretreatment changes in colonic transit by genotype). No significant interaction of treatment with FAAH rs324420 was detected.Conclusions & Inferences  Overall, DRO 2.5 or 5 mg twice per day for 2 days had no effect on gut transit in IBS‐D. There appears to be a treatment‐by‐genotype effect, whereby DRO preferentially delays colonic transit in those with the CNR1 rs806378 CT/TT genotypes. Further study of CB pharmacogenetics may help identify a subset of IBS‐D patients most likely to benefit from CB agonist therapy.
A risk score for early cytomegalovirus reactivation after allogeneic stem cell transplantation identifies low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups: reactivation risk is increased by graft‐versus‐host disease only in the intermediate‐risk group
Authors: George B. , Kerridge I.H. , Gilroy N. , Huang G. , Hertzberg M.S. , Bradstock K.F. , Gottlieb D.J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis retrospective study was aimed at establishing a clinical score to stratify the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in order to direct strategies for post‐transplant CMV monitoring and therapy.Patients and methodsIn total, 335 adult patients undergoing HSCT were analyzed and divided into a training set (n = 235) and a validation set (n = 100). Logistic regression analysis on the training set identified recipient and donor CMV seropositivity, acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and use of anti‐thymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab as significant risk factors for CMV reactivation. Weighted scores were assigned to each factor. A weighted score (CMV scoring index [CSI]) was calculated for each patient using the scores of all risk factors except for GVHD. The index was collapsed into 3 risk groups – low risk (score of 0–2), intermediate risk (score of 3–5), and high risk (score of 6–7) – and reactivation rates were calculated. In the training set, CMV reactivation occurred in 5.8% in the low‐risk group, 44.8% in the intermediate‐risk group, and 67.7% in the high‐risk group.ResultsIn patients with an intermediate CSI only, significantly higher reactivation rates were seen in the presence of corticosteroid treatment for GVHD (57.8% vs. 24.5%, P < 0.01). These findings were similar in the validation set with reactivation rates of 0% in the low‐risk, 46% in the intermediate‐risk, and 68.4% in the high‐risk groups. As seen in the training set, the presence of GVHD was associated with higher CMV reactivation rates only in the intermediate‐risk group (64% vs. 28% in the absence of GVHD, P = 0.02).ConclusionsIdentification of these 3 risk groups in association with the presence or absence of GVHD will help transplant units to make pre‐transplant policy decisions about prophylactic, pre‐emptive, or experimental CMV prevention strategies in groups of patients undergoing HSCT, as well as in those developing GVHD post transplant.
Chryseobacterium indologenes subcutaneous port‐related bacteremia in a liver transplant patient
Authors: Shah S. , Sarwar U. , King E.A. , Lat A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:Chryseobacterium indologenes is a rare cause of infection in select immunosuppressed hosts. Most prior reports are from Taiwan, in patients with diabetes mellitus or malignancies. Infections caused by C. indologenes are generally associated with indwelling devices, and the organism may be resistant to many commonly utilized broad‐spectrum antibiotics. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of C. indologenes subcutaneous port‐related bacteremia in a liver transplant recipient. The isolates were resistant to antibiotics previously reported as active, and device removal was required for treatment success.
Leaf patch clamp pressure probe measurements on olive leaves in a nearly turgorless state
Authors: Ehrenberger W. , Rüger S. , Rodríguez‐Domínguez C. M. , Díaz‐Espejo A. , Fernández J.E. , Moreno J. , Zimmermann D. , Sukhorukov V. L. , Zimmermann U. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe non‐invasive leaf patch clamp pressure (LPCP) probe measures the attenuated pressure of a leaf patch, Pp, in response to an externally applied magnetic force. Pp is inversely coupled with leaf turgor pressure, Pc, i.e. at high Pc values the Pp values are small and at low Pc values the Pp values are high. This relationship between Pc and Pp could also be verified for 2‐m tall olive trees under laboratory conditions using the cell turgor pressure probe. When the laboratory plants were subjected to severe water stress (Pc dropped below ca. 50 kPa), Pp curves show reverse diurnal changes, i.e. during the light regime (high transpiration) a minimum Pp value, and during darkness a peak Pp value is recorded. This reversal of the Pp curves was completely reversible. Upon watering, the original diurnal Pp changes were re‐established within 2–3 days. Olive trees in the field showed a similar turnover of the shape of the Pp curves upon drought, despite pronounced fluctuations in microclimate. The reversal of the Pp curves is most likely due to accumulation of air in the leaves. This assumption was supported with cross‐sections through leaves subjected to prolonged drought. In contrast to well‐watered leaves, microscopic inspection of leaves exhibiting inverse diurnal Pp curves revealed large air‐filled areas in parenchyma tissue. Significantly larger amounts of air could also be extracted from water‐stressed leaves than from well‐watered leaves using the cell turgor pressure probe. Furthermore, theoretical analysis of the experimental Pp curves shows that the propagation of pressure through the nearly turgorless leaf must be exclusively dictated by air. Equations are derived that provide valuable information about the water status of olive leaves close to zero Pc.
Role of psychological empowerment in the reduction of burnout in Canadian healthcare workers
Authors: Boudrias Jean‐Sébastien , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Brodeur Marie‐Michèle 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the role of psychological empowerment as a protective factor for burnout among workers exposed to work‐related stressors (e.g. daily hassles, overload, job changes). A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted, with a convenience sample of 401 healthcare workers. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test main and moderating effects of empowerment cognitions. Results revealed partial support for the hypotheses. Only the job meaningfulness cognition exerts a beneficent main effect on all burnout symptoms beyond the effect of stressors. Some moderating effects differing according to burnout dimensions were also found. Most interestingly, high levels of empowerment cognitions accentuate the effect of change‐related resources in the reduction of emotional exhaustion. Because psychological empowerment has beneficial effects, organizations could rely on different strategies to enhance it.
Qualitative observation in a clinical setting: Challenges at end of life
Authors: Bloomer Melissa J. , Cross Wendy , Endacott Ruth , O'Connor Margaret , Moss Cheryle 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper explores the methodological challenges associated with undertaking qualitative observation in the clinical setting at end of life. The authors reflect on their experiences of using non‐participant observation to explore the nursing care delivered to dying patients in acute hospital wards. The challenges of observation as a method, clearly defining the participant group and involving vulnerable populations, such as the dying patients and their families, will be discussed. Consideration is also given to defining and working within the observational field, the researchers' dual roles, cost versus benefit, impact of culture, religion and ethnicity, and the determination of research limits/boundaries, with reflections from the authors' own experiences used to exemplify the issues.
Polymorphism of spermatozoa in Largus rufipennis Laporte 1832 (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoroidea: Largidae)
Authors: Araújo Vinícius Albano , Báo Sônia Nair , Lino‐Neto José 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe production of polymorphic spermatozoa has been registered in various insect orders such as Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. In this work, morphology of two types of spermatozoa produced by Largus rufipennis was reported for the first time in the Largidae family. For this, techniques including optical and transmission electron microscopy were used. Spermatozoa measured, on the average, 260 and 200 μm, and both types possessed a nucleus measuring on the average 65 μm. No ultrastructural differences were observed between the two spermatozoa types from L. rufipennis. The head region is composed of an acrosome, a nucleus, and part of the centriolar adjunct. The centriolar adjunct is in parallel with the nucleus and followed by mitochondrial derivates. The flagellum consists of an axoneme (9 + 9 + 2 microtubules) and two mitochondrial derivatives; no other accessory bodies were observed. The mitochondrial derivatives are symmetric in size and diameter. A similar quantity of the two spermatozoa types was observed in the seminal vesicle (57% of the large type and 43% of the small type), while in the spermatheca of the female, the larger spermatozoa were preferentially stored (87%). These results permit discussions concerning of the species biology reproduction, most specifically sperm competition strategies.
PRESENTISM, TRUTH AND SUPERVENIENCE
Authors: Baron Sam 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTruthmaker theory is commonly thought to pose a challenge for presentism. Presentism seems to lack the ontological and ideological resources required to adequately underwrite the truth of propositions concerning the past. That is because if presentism is true, then the past does not exist. According to the standard response to this challenge, the truth of propositions concerning the past supervenes on surrogate entities that ‘stand proxy’ for past things. I argue that in order for the standard response to the truthmaker challenge to succeed these surrogate entities must stand in necessary connections to the past. I go on to argue that because the standard response is already committed to denying the existence of cross‐temporal modal connections of this kind, by its own lights that response is in error.1
Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape for High Dimensional Data—A Flexible Approach Based on Boosting
Authors: Mayr Andreas , Fenske Nora , Hofner Benjamin , Kneib Thomas , Schmid Matthias 
Published: January 2012

SummaryGeneralized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSSs) are a popular semiparametric modelling approach that, in contrast with conventional generalized additive models, regress not only the expected mean but also every distribution parameter (e.g. location, scale and shape) to a set of covariates. Current fitting procedures for GAMLSSs are infeasible for high dimensional data set-ups and require variable selection based on (potentially problematic) information criteria. The present work describes a boosting algorithm for high dimensional GAMLSSs that was developed to overcome these limitations. Specifically, the new algorithm was designed to allow the simultaneous estimation of predictor effects and variable selection. The algorithm proposed was applied to Munich rental guide data, which are used by landlords and tenants as a reference for the average rent of a flat depending on its characteristics and spatial features. The net rent predictions that resulted from the high dimensional GAMLSSs were found to be highly competitive and covariate-specific prediction intervals showed a major improvement over classical generalized additive models.
Nigral iron deposition occurs across motor phenotypes of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jin L. , Wang J. , Jin H. , Fei G. , Zhang Y. , Chen W. , Zhao L. , Zhao N. , Sun X. , Zeng M. , Zhong C. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  To investigate whether brain iron deposition correlates with motor phenotypic expressions of Parkinson’s disease.Methods:  We subtyped patients with Parkinson’s disease according to their main motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity/bradykinesia) into three subgroups: tremor‐dominant subgroup, akinetic/rigid‐dominant subgroup, or mixed subgroup. The iron levels in bilateral substantia nigra, globus pallidus, putamen, the head of caudate, and red nucleus of 87 patients and 50 control subjects were assayed by measuring phase values using susceptibility‐weighted phase imaging in a 3‐tesla magnetic resonance system. The serum ceruloplasmin levels of all subjects were determined.Results:  The bilateral average phase values of the substantia nigra and all other brain regions examined did not correlate with the main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in the total patient group or when patients were grouped according to serum ceruloplasmin levels. Significant correlations between serum ceruloplasmin levels and nigral bilateral average phase values were observed in the tremor and akinetic/rigid‐dominant subgroups. Analysis of patients without prior dopaminergic medication exhibited similar results. Increased nigral iron content correlated with disease severity as assayed by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores in the PDAR subgroup.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that nigral iron deposition, correlating with decreased serum ceruloplasmin levels, is a risk factor in Parkinson’s disease across multiple motor phenotypic expressions.