bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Thyroid – too much and too little across the ages. The consequences of subclinical thyroid dysfunction
Authors: Franklyn Jayne A. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryMild thyroid dysfunction is common, and more prevalent than overt hyper‐ and hypothyroidism. Subclinical (mild) thyroid dysfunction is a biochemical entity characterized by an abnormality of serum TSH associated with normal serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is thus defined as low or suppressed serum TSH with normal serum‐free T4 and T3, while subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as raised serum TSH with normal circulating T4. These biochemical abnormalities are part of the much wider spectrum of thyroid dysfunction which includes overt hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism, but by no means always indicate underlying thyroid disease. There is much debate about the significance of mild abnormalities of thyroid function in terms of symptoms and potential associations with long‐term morbidity and mortality and hence much debate about whether to screen for these abnormalities, and, once identified, whether to treat or monitor, and if so, how? Our knowledge base has increased significantly in recent years, principally because studies of large cohorts have begun to define the epidemiology and associations of mild thyroid dysfunction (including short‐term and long‐term outcomes) and a small but increasing number of randomized‐controlled intervention studies have been reported. There is, however, much to learn about these disorders and, given their prevalence, their impact on health.
HTLV‐1‐associated infective dermatitis: updates on the pathogenesis
Authors: McGill Neilia‐Kay , Vyas Jui , Shimauchi Takatoshi , Tokura Yoshiki , Piguet Vincent 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHTLV‐1‐associated infective dermatitis (HAID) is the main paediatric manifestation of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1). It is characterised by a chronic exudative eczematous eruption and persistent infection with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and beta‐haemolytic streptococci (BHS). Prevalence is highest in the Caribbean and Brazil; however, cases have been reported in other HTLV‐1 endemic regions. Approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected with HTLV‐1 and only 5–10% suffer from disease. Other manifestations include adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). HAID may also progress to ATLL or TSP/HAM. Treatment options are limited to prolonged antibiotic therapy. The aim of this paper is to review existing evidence and propose new theories on the pathogenesis of HAID. The current view is that HTLV‐1 infection is required and in susceptible individuals leads to immune dysregulation with subsequent immunosuppression and superinfection with SA and BHS. Evidence suggests that host, environment and genetic factors may play a causative role. Genetic factors within ethnic groups determine host immune response and carrier state or disease manifestation of HTLV‐1 infection. Increased IgE levels may contribute to the SA and BHS superinfection in HAID. Additionally, the possible impact of filaggrin, skin proteinase dysregulation, Langerhans cell dysfunction and TH2 chemokines is highlighted. More than 45 years since the discovery of HAID, the exact pathogenesis is still not fully understood. Further research is still needed to clearly elucidate the exact pathogenic mechanism of HAID.
Lack of microRNA miR‐150 reduces the capacity of epidermal Langerhans cell cross‐presentation
Authors: Mi Qing‐Sheng , Xu Ying‐Ping , Qi Rui‐Qun , Shi Yu‐Ling , Zhou Li 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non‐coding RNAs that repress target genes at post‐transcriptional level. Langerhans cells (LCs) are skin‐residential dendritic cells (DCs) with a life cycle distinct from other types of DCs. miRNA deficiency interrupts the homoeostasis and function of epidermal LCs, suggesting the critical roles of miRNAs in LC development and function. However, the roles of individual miRNAs in regulating LC development and function remain completely unknown. MiRNA miR‐150 is highly expressed in mature lymphocytes and regulates T‐ and B‐cell development and function. Here, we reported that miR‐150 is also expressed in epidermal LCs, and its expression is significantly down‐regulated during in vitro LC maturation. Using a miR‐150 knockout mouse model, we found that lack of miR‐150 reduces the capacity of LCs to cross‐present a soluble antigen to antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells, but does not disturb the development, maturation, migration and phagocytic capacity of LCs. Thus, our data indicate that miR‐150 is required for LC cross‐presentation.
Winter cold tolerance and the geographic range separation of Bromus tectorum and Bromus rubens, two severe invasive species in North America
Authors: Bykova Olga , Sage Rowan F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe invasive grasses Bromus rubens and Bromus tectorum are responsible for widespread damage to semiarid biomes of western North America. Bromus. tectorum dominates higher and more northern landscapes than its sister species B. rubens, which is a severe invader in the Mojave desert region of the American Southwest. To assess climate thresholds controlling their distinct geographic ranges, we evaluated the winter cold tolerance of B. tectorum and B. rubens. Freezing tolerance thresholds were determined using electrolyte leakage and whole‐plant mortality. The responses of the two species to winter cold and artificial freezing treatments were similar in 2007–2008 and 2009–2010. When grown at minimum temperatures of 10 °C, plants of both species had cold tolerance thresholds near −10 °C, while plants acclimated to a daily minimum of −10 to −30 °C survived temperatures down to −31 °C. In the winter of 2010–2011, a sudden severe cold event on December 9, 2010 killed all B. rubens populations, while B. tectorum was not harmed; all tested plants were 7–8 weeks old. Controlled acclimation experiments demonstrated that 8‐week‐old plants of B. rubens had a slower acclimation rate to subzero temperatures than B. tectorum and could not survive a rapid temperature drop from 1 to −14 °C. Four‐month‐old B. rubens populations were as cold tolerant as B. tectorum. Our results show that severe and sudden freeze events in late autumn can kill young plants of B. rubens but not B. tectorum. Such events could exclude B. rubens from the relatively cold, Intermountain steppe biome of western North America where B. tectorum predominates.
Natural pipes in blanket peatlands: major point sources for the release of carbon to the aquatic system
Authors: Holden Joseph , Smart Richard P. , Dinsmore Kerry J. , Baird Andy J. , Billett Mike F. , Chapman Pippa J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNatural soil pipes, which have been widely reported in peatlands, have been shown to contribute significantly to total stream flow. Here, using measurements from eight pipe outlets, we consider the role of natural pipes in the transport of fluvial carbon within a 17.4‐ha blanket‐peat‐covered catchment. Concentrations of dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC) from pipe waters varied greatly between pipes and over time, ranging between 5.3 and 180.6 mg L−1 for DOC and 0.08 and 220 mg L−1 for POC. Pipes were important pathways for peatland fluvial carbon export, with fluxes varying between 0.6 and 67.8 kg yr−1 (DOC) and 0.1 and 14.4 kg yr−1 (POC) for individual pipes. Pipe DOC flux was equivalent to 20% of the annual DOC flux from the stream outlet while the POC flux from pipes was equivalent to 56% of the annual stream POC flux. The proportion of different forms of aquatic carbon to total aquatic carbon flux varied between pipes, with DOC ranging between 80.0% and 91.2%, POC from 3.6% to 17.1%, dissolved CO2‐C from 2.4% to 11.1% and dissolved CH4‐C from 0.004% to 1.3%. The total flux of dissolved CO2‐C and CH4‐C scaled up to all pipe outlets in the study catchment was estimated to be 89.4 and 3.6 kg yr−1 respectively. Overall, pipe outlets produced discharge equivalent to 14% of the discharge in the stream but delivered an amount of aquatic carbon equivalent to 22% of the aquatic carbon flux at the catchment outlet. Pipe densities in blanket peatlands are known to increase when peat is affected by drainage or drying. Hence, environmental change in many peatlands may lead to an increase in aquatic carbon fluxes from natural pipes, thereby influencing the peatland carbon balance and downstream ecological processes.
Yam tuber mucilage as a candidate substance for saliva substitute: in vitro study of its viscosity and influences on lysozyme and peroxidase activities
Authors: Kho Hong‐Seop , Park Moon‐Soo , Chang Ji‐Youn , Kim Yoon‐Young 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the viscosity of yam tuber mucilage (YTM) and its effects on lysozyme and peroxidase activities in solution phase and on surface phase.MethodsTwo kinds of YTM were extracted, one containing both protein and carbohydrate and the other containing mainly carbohydrate. Hen egg‐white lysozyme and bovine lactoperoxidase were used as lysozyme and peroxidase sources, respectively. Viscosity was measured with a cone‐and‐plate digital viscometer. Lysozyme activity was determined using the turbidimetric method, and peroxidase activity was determined using the NbsSCN assay. Hydroxyapatite beads were used as a solid phase.ResultsThe viscosity values of YTM followed a pattern of a non‐Newtonian fluid. The carbohydrate concentration affected the viscosity values at all shear rates, while the protein concentration affected the viscosity values at low shear rates. It could be suggested that YTM composed of 1.0 mg/ml protein and 1.0 mg/ml carbohydrate has viscosity values similar to those of unstimulated whole saliva at shear rates present at routine oral functions. Hydroxyapatite‐adsorbed YTM significantly increased the adsorption and subsequent enzymatic activities of lysozyme, but not those of peroxidase.ConclusionsYam tuber mucilage has viscoelastic properties similar to those of human saliva and enhances the enzymatic activity of lysozyme on hydroxyapatite surfaces.
Protection conferred by heterologous vaccination against tuberculosis is dependent on the ratio of CD4+/CD4+ Foxp3+ cells
Authors: Fedatto Paola Fernanda , Sérgio Cássia Alves , Paula Marina Oliveira e , Gembre Ana Flávia , Franco Luís Henrique , Wowk Pryscilla Fanini , Ramos Simone Gusmão , Horn Cynthia , Marchal Gilles , Turato Walter Miguel , Silva Célio Lopes , da Fonseca Denise Morais , Bonato Vânia Luiza Deperon 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells inhibit the production of interferon‐γ, which is the major mediator of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In this study, we evaluated whether the protection conferred by three different vaccines against tuberculosis was associated with the number of spleen and lung regulatory T cells. We observed that after homologous immunization with the 65 000 molecular weight heat‐shock protein (hsp 65) DNA vaccine, there was a significantly higher number of spleen CD4+ Foxp3+ cells compared with non‐immunized mice. Heterologous immunization using bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) to prime and DNA‐hsp 65 to boost (BCG/DNA‐hsp 65) or BCG to prime and culture filtrate proteins (CFP)‐CpG to boost (BCG/CFP‐CpG) induced a significantly higher ratio of spleen CD4+/CD4+ Foxp3+ cells compared with non‐immunized mice. In addition, the protection conferred by either the BCG/DNA‐hsp 65 or the BCG/CFP‐CpG vaccines was significant compared with the DNA‐hsp 65 vaccine. Despite the higher ratio of spleen CD4+/CD4+ Foxp3+ cells found in BCG/DNA‐hsp 65‐immunized or BCG/CFP‐CpG‐immunized mice, the lungs of both groups of mice were better preserved than those of DNA‐hsp 65‐immunized mice. These results confirm the protective efficacy of BCG/DNA‐hsp 65 and BCG/CFP‐CpG heterologous prime‐boost vaccines and the DNA‐hsp 65 homologous vaccine. Additionally, the prime‐boost regimens assayed here represent a promising strategy for the development of new vaccines to protect against tuberculosis because they probably induce a proper ratio of CD4+ and regulatory (CD4+ Foxp3+) cells during the immunization regimen. In this study, this ratio was associated with a reduced number of regulatory cells and no injury to the lungs.
Clinical characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis among hospitalized children in Japan
Authors: Kawada Jun‐Ichi , Arai Naoko , Nishimura Naoko , Suzuki Michio , Ohta Rieko , Ozaki Takao , Ito Yoshinori 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTAcute diarrhea is one of commonest pediatric illnesses worldwide. Although the importance of norovirus as a cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks is well documented, its role in sporadic acute gastroenteritis is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis among hospitalized children. Between November 2007 and April 2008, inpatients under 12 years of age with acute gastroenteritis in a single hospital in Japan were investigated. A stool sample from each patient was screened for enteropathogenic bacteria and tested by reverse transcription polymerase reaction for norovirus and by an immunochromatographic method for rotavirus and enteric adenoviruses. The clinical features of children with norovirus gastroenteritis were compared with those of children with rotavirus and children without noro‐ or rotovirus infections. Among 107 patients included in this study, norovirus and rotavirus were detected in 36 (34%) and 37 (35%) patients, respectively. Compared with rotavirus enteritis, the duration of vomiting and diarrhea was significantly longer, and serum C‐reactive protein concentrations were higher, in patients with norovirus enteritis. Norovirus was detected as frequently as rotavirus in hospitalized pediatric gastroenteritis patients. Our results suggest that norovirus gastroenteritis among hospitalized young children is not less severe than rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Effectiveness of stop‐smoking medications: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Kasza Karin A. , Hyland Andrew J. , Borland Ron , McNeill Ann D. , Bansal‐Travers Maansi , Fix Brian V. , Hammond David , Fong Geoffrey T. , Cummings K. Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the population effectiveness of stop‐smoking medications while accounting for potential recall bias by controlling for quit attempt recency.DesignProspective cohort survey.SettingUnited Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States.ParticipantsA total of 7436 adult smokers (18+ years) selected via random digit dialling and interviewed as part of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (ITC‐4) between 2002 and 2009. Primary analyses utilized the subset of respondents who participated in 2006 or later (n = 2550).MeasurementsContinuous abstinence from smoking for 1 month/6 months.FindingsAmong participants who recalled making a quit attempt within 1 month of interview, those who reported using varenicline, bupropion or nicotine patch were more likely to maintain 6‐month continuous abstinence from smoking compared to those who attempted to quit without medication [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.12–16.12), 3.94 (0.87–17.80), 4.09 (1.72–9.74), respectively]; there were no clear effects for oral NRT use. Those who did not use any medication when attempting to quit tended to be younger, to be racial/ethnic minorities, to have lower incomes and to believe that medications do not make quitting easier.ConclusionsConsistent with evidence from randomized controlled trials, smokers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States are more likely to succeed in quit attempts if they use varenicline, bupropion or nicotine patch. Previous population studies that failed to find an effect failed to control adequately for important sources of bias.
Longing to belong: children in residential care and their experiences of peer relationships at school and in the children's home
Authors: Emond Ruth 
Published: August 2012

AbstractResilience literature has stressed the potential of both children's educational experiences and their friendships to act as protective factors against adversity. However, less is known about how children living with adversity navigate these ‘everyday’ aspects of social terrain and the particular challenges that they face. This paper explores the meaning and experience of peer relationships to one group of children living in residential care in Ireland. Drawing on a larger study of school and care, it explores data gathered from 16 children, aged 8 to 18, who were living in eight different children's homes on the east coast of Ireland. The findings suggest that the children were acutely aware of their ‘care’ status and developed a number of strategies to manage this identity in school. It appears that more often than not, children described being left to their own devises to manage friendships and peer relationships. Thus, despite being a crucial source of both stress and support, peer relationships did not appear to be regarded as an issue that adults should be involved with. This raises questions for practice about what children should be supported with and the way in which peer relationships are potentially overlooked by social work, residential and school staff.
Two‐generation preschool programme: immediate and 7‐year‐old outcomes for low‐income children and their parents
Authors: Benzies Karen , Mychasiuk Richelle , Kurilova Jana , Tough Suzanne , Edwards Nancy , Donnelly Carlene 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPreschool children living in low‐income families are at increased risk for poor outcomes; early intervention programmes mitigate these risks. While there is considerable evidence of the effectiveness of centre‐based programmes in other jurisdictions, there is limited research about Canadian programmes, specifically programmes that include children and parents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a single‐site, two‐generation preschool demonstration programme for low‐income families in Canada. A single group, pre‐test (programme intake) /post‐test (programme exit) design with a 7‐year‐old follow‐up was used. Between intake and exit, significant improvements in receptive language and global development were found among the children, and significant improvements in self‐esteem, use of community resources, parenting stress and risk for child maltreatment were found among the parents. These positive improvements were sustained until the children were 7 years old. Public investment in two‐generation preschool programmes may mitigate risks for suboptimal child development and improve parental psychosocial outcomes.
Renal tubular acidosis type IV in hyperkalaemic patients – a fairy tale or reality?
Authors: Haas Christian S. , Pohlenz Inga , Lindner Ulrich , Muck Philip M. , Arand Jovana , Suefke Sven , Lehnert Hendrik 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveHyperkalaemia is a common feature in hospitalized patients and often attributed to drugs antagonizing the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) and/or acute kidney injury (AKI), despite significantly preserved glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and role of renal tubular acidosis type IV (RTA IV) in the development of significant hyperkalaemia.DesignA single‐centre retrospective study.PatientsPatients admitted to a University Hospital over 12 months.MeasurementsPatients with a potassium value > 6·0 mm were identified. Clinical and laboratory data were revisited, and patients with a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis were evaluated for the existence of RTA IV.ResultsA total of 57 patients having significant hyperkalaemia (>6·0 mm) were identified. Twelve patients had end‐stage renal disease, while 21 patients had solely AKI or progressive chronic renal failure. RTA IV was present in 24 patients (42%), of whom 71% had pre‐existing renal insufficiency because of diabetic nephropathy or tubulointerstitial nephritis. All hyperkalaemic patients with urinary/serum electrolytes suggestive of RTA IV had evidence of AKI, but creatinine levels were significantly lower (P < 0·05), while the number of drugs antagonizing the RAAS was comparable.ConclusionWe demonstrated that RTA IV (i) is very common in patients with hyperkalaemia; (ii) should always be suspected in hyperkalaemic patients with only moderately impaired GFR; and (iii) may result in significant hyperkalaemia in the presence of both AKI and drugs antagonizing the RAAS.
Plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass and apoB‐lipoproteins that carry Lp‐PLA2 decrease after sodium
Authors: Constantinides Alexander , Kerstens Michiel N. , Dikkeschei Bert D. , van Pelt L. Joost , Tellis Constantinos C. , Tselepis Alexandros D. , Dullaart Robin P. F. 
Published: August 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1235–1243AbstractBackground  Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is a novel cardiovascular risk marker, which is predominantly complexed to apolipoprotein (apo) B‐containing lipoproteins in human plasma. As increasing dietary sodium intake may decrease plasma apoB‐containing lipoproteins, we tested whether a sodium challenge lowers plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass, as well as the levels of apoB‐containing lipoprotein particles carrying Lp‐PLA2 (apoB‐Lp‐PLA2), employing a newly developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Materials and methods  In 45 women and 31 men (mean age 44 ± 14 years), plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass (turbidimetric immunoassay), the level of apoB‐Lp‐PLA2, expressed in apoB concentration and lipoproteins were measured in response to a 3‐day challenge with 9 g sodium chloride tablets daily.Results  Urinary sodium excretion increased from 165 ± 60 to 321 ± 70 mmol/24 h (P < 0·001) after salt loading. Plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass decreased from 618 (493–719) to 588 (465–698) μg/L (P < 0·001), and apoB‐Lp‐PLA2 decreased from 0·276 (0·200–0·351) to 0·256 (0·189–0·328) g LDL protein/L (P = 0·004) in response to the sodium challenge together with decreases in plasma total cholesterol, nonhigh‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (P < 0·01 for all). Changes in plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass were correlated positively with changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and non‐HDL cholesterol (r = 0·260–0·276, P < 0·05 to P < 0·02), whereas changes in apoB‐Lp‐PLA2 were correlated positively with changes in non‐HDL cholesterol and in the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (r = 0·232–0·385, P < 0·05–0·01).Conclusion  Both plasma Lp‐PLA2 mass levels and apoB‐Lp‐PLA2 decrease in response to a short‐term oral sodium challenge.