bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Genetics and Epigenetics of Fatigue
Authors: Landmark‐Høyvik Hege , Reinertsen Kristin V. , Loge Jon H. , Kristensen Vessela N. , Dumeaux Vanessa , Fosså Sophie D. , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Edvardsen Hege 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFatigue is a common symptom and includes both physical and mental components. It can be associated with a variety of different syndromes and diseases, but in many cases is not associated with other comorbid conditions. Most humans have experienced acute fatigue in relation to different stressors. Acute fatigue typically decreases as the effect of the triggering factor is reduced and a normal homeostatic balance is restored. Fatigue that persists for 6 months or more is termed chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue (CF) in combination with a minimum of 4 of 8 symptoms and the absence of diseases that could explain these symptoms, constitute the case definition for chronic fatigue syndrome. In spite of its prevalence, the biology of fatigue is relatively poorly understood and biological markers have not yet been identified. This literature search was performed in PubMed to identify research on the genetics and epigenetics of fatigue. Publications were included if fatigue was a major topic and the topic was combined with genetic and/or epigenetic measurements in adult humans. A total of 40 publications were identified. Although altered functioning in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, the serotonergic system, and associations with infectious agents have been identified, the search for genetic or epigenetic markers of fatigue, either in the context of CF or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been relatively unproductive or, in the case of epigenetics, nonexistent. Although several studies, both hypothesis‐testing and hypothesis‐generating, have been performed to search for biomarkers, they have mostly been underpowered, restricted by the heterogeneity of the phenotype, or limited by an unsystematic study design. To be able to confirm the hypothesis that risk for, or levels of, fatigue are influenced by the genetic or epigenetic background of an individual, studies need to be based on larger sample sizes with a more clearly defined phenotype. Studies need to focus not only on the influence of a single aspect such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or differential gene expression on disease risk or state, but also on the systems biology behind the disease in combination with information on environmental influences and validation of findings in functional studies.
Peripheral Fatigue: High‐Energy Phosphates and Hydrogen Ions
Authors: Keyser Randall E. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPeripheral fatigue results from an overactivity‐induced decline in muscle function that originates from non–central nervous system mechanisms. A common symptom of fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or weariness because of overexertion, such as that associated with intense or prolonged physical exercise. Fatigue is worsened by low physical fitness and chronic illnesses. These conditions may intensify fatigue to levels that limit physical and social functioning and severely diminish health‐related quality of life. Although etiologic aspects of peripheral fatigue are often associated with regulatory system (neurologic, endocrine, immunologic, muscular) and support system (cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, digestive, skeletal) limitations, final mediation occurs in muscle cells as a result of altered crossbridge functioning. Specifically, the final product and ionic metabolite accumulation that result from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis appear to inhibit crossbridge formation and activation. Thus, clinical manifestations of peripheral fatigue often can be observed as limitations placed upon muscle or cardiorespiratory endurance, here defined as fatigue resistance. An overview of the common pathways by which peripheral fatigue can be mediated is provided. Product inhibition of contractile chemistry is brought into focus as a common pathway through which the mechanisms of peripheral fatigue often act.
Fatigue, Endocrinopathies, and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Kaltsas Gregory , Vgontzas Alexandros , Chrousos George 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFatigue is a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. Endocrine dysfunction is a common etiology of fatigue. In fact, thyroid function is usually one of the first explanations on the list of possible diagnoses. The symptoms associated with endocrinopathies are frequently “nonspecific,” and psychiatric disease or psychological disorders need to be differentiated. Often, this can be accomplished using biological measures of hormone function, such as measures of thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid, and adrenal hormone levels. The field of endocrinology is highly dependent on an algorithmic approach to differential diagnosis using hormone levels as the guide. The use of self‐reports helps identify at‐risk patients, and raises suspicions about whether there is an abnormality, but diagnosis is dependent on laboratory values. Metabolic abnormalities, such as hyper‐ or hypoglycemia, dyslipidemia, and gonadal dysfunction can also contribute to fatigue. A better understanding of the interactions among hormones, their releasing factors, and regulation of inflammation will help identify abnormalities early and help distinguish endocrinopathies from other causes of fatigue. Early identification of these abnormalities may reduce end‐organ damage and improve treatment strategies.
Central and Peripheral Fatigue: Exemplified by Multiple Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Cantor Fredric 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFatigue is a feature of several chronic diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. The pathophysiology of central fatigue is complex and often not well‐defined. In contrast, peripheral fatigue is more objectively defined and measured. Fatigue can be part of the primary disease process, but there are often contributions from comorbid factors such as depression, sleep disturbance, medication, or deconditioning. Multiple sclerosis (MS) offers an example of central fatigue. More than 40% of MS patients complain of fatigue. Validated questionnaires are used to assess fatigue severity and comorbid factors. Although fatigue is believed to be a primary process in MS, depression and sleep disturbance are often comorbid problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography, and functional MRI studies suggest that fatigue is related to gray matter disease, particularly of the cerebral cortex, but also of the thalamus and caudate. Disruption of impulse propagation from demyelination is also a likely factor. It is uncertain if pro‐inflammatory cytokines have a specific effect on the genesis of MS fatigue. Several medications have been reported to alleviate fatigue in MS, but controlled studies show contradictory results. Treatment of depression and sleep disturbance, use of exercise programs and rehabilitation therapies as well as treatment of other comorbid conditions is necessary for optimal alleviation of fatigue. Myasthenia gravis (MG) patients exhibit peripheral fatigue. In contrast to MS, the mechanism of weakness and fatigue in MG is well‐defined. Antibodies to the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor at the myoneural junction cause diminution of the force of muscle contractions. This leads to a feeling of fatigue. MG treatments increase the availability of acetylcholine and reduce antibody formation. Evaluation for comorbid conditions, especially thymoma and hyperthyroidism, are mandatory in patients with MG.
A two-step method for detecting selection signatures using genetic markers
Authors: GIANOLA DANIEL , SIMIANER HENNER , QANBARI SABER 
Published: June 2010

SummaryA two-step procedure is presented for analysis of θ (FST) statistics obtained for a battery of loci, which eventually leads to a clustered structure of values. The first step uses a simple Bayesian model for drawing samples from posterior distributions of θ-parameters, but without constructing Markov chains. This step assigns a weakly informative prior to allelic frequencies and does not make any assumptions about evolutionary models. The second step regards samples from these posterior distributions as ‘data’ and fits a sequence of finite mixture models, with the aim of identifying clusters of θ-statistics. Hopefully, these would reflect different types of processes and would assist in interpreting results. Procedures are illustrated with hypothetical data, and with published allelic frequency data for type II diabetes in three human populations, and for 12 isozyme loci in 12 populations of the argan tree in Morocco.
‘Patriots and Professors’: A Century of Roman Studies, 1910–2010
Authors: Stray Christopher 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTThis essay offers a survey of the history of the Roman Society during the 100 years since its foundation in 1910. It discusses relations with other classical bodies, especially the Hellenic Society and the Classical Association; the Society's fragile finances until the 1950s; and the key role played over several decades by its Secretary, Margerie Taylor. Separate sections deal with the Society's library; its journals, theJournal of Roman Studies(1911) andBritannia(1970); membership and finance; and relations with schools, amateur archaeologists and the University of London, whose Institute of Classical Studies has housed the Society's office and library since 1958.
Regional spread ofvanA- orvanB-positiveEnterococcus gallinarumin hospitals and long-term care facilities in Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Authors: SHIRANO M. , TAKAKURA S. , YAMAMOTO M. , MATSUMURA Y. , MATSUSHIMA A. , NAGAO M. , FUJIHARA N. , SAITO T. , ITO Y. , IINUMA Y. , SHIMIZU T. , FUJITA N. , ICHIYAMA S. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYFollowing an outbreak ofvanA-positiveEnterococcus faeciumin 2005 in Kyoto prefecture, regional surveillance of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was initiated. This revealedvanA- orvanB-positiveEnterococcus gallinarumin multiple facilities. Eighty-eightvanA-positiveE. gallinarumfaecal carriers from 12 facilities and tenvanB-positiveE. gallinarumfaecal carriers from eight facilities were found. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the first isolate from each facility showed that 11 of the 12vanAisolates and three of the eightvanB-positiveE. gallinarumisolates belonged to a single clone. This study confirms the clonal spread ofvanA- orvanB-positiveE. gallinarumin a region and underlines the importance of surveillance of VRE for the presence of vancomycin resistance determinants.
Risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiduring an outbreak in an intensive care unit
Authors: PRATES C. G. , MARTINS A. F. , SUPERTI S. V. , LOPES F. S. , RAMOS F. , CANTARELLI V. V. , ZAVASCKI A. P. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYThis study assessed risk factors for 30-day mortality in 66 patients with carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii(CRAB) infection or colonization during an outbreak in an intensive-care unit. Clinical and demographic characteristics were evaluated. The overall 30-day mortality was 47·0%. In the multivariate Cox regression model, septic shock [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 5·01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·32–10·01] and APACHE II score at onset of infection (aHR 1·11, 95% CI 1·04–1·18) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Administration of appropriate therapy was a protective factor, but it was not statistically significant (aHR 0·48, 95% CI 0·21–1·12). A sample of isolates tested (n=27) carried theblaOXA-23gene. Severity of baseline condition and severity of infection presentation were major risk factors for mortality during the outbreak. Patients who received appropriate therapy tended to have lower mortality rates, although therapy was started late and dosage was suboptimal in most cases.
Nutrition policy in Finland
Authors: Pietinen Pirjo , Männistö Satu , Valsta Liisa M , Sarlio-Lähteenkorva Sirpa 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe present study describes the main actions in Finnish nutrition policy during the past decades. The main actor is the National Nutrition Council, which provides nutritional recommendations and action programmes, and sets up expert groups to solve nutritional problems in the population. The main fortification programmes have been the iodization of table salt, supplementation of selenium to fertilizers and the vitamin D fortification programme. As an example of national legislation, labelling the salt content of foods is described. Finnish nutrition policy is based on a good monitoring system of nutrition and risk factors of chronic diseases, as well as active epidemiological research. However, the authorities have not often taken proposed fiscal measures seriously but have instead considered agricultural and economic policies more important than health policy.
Dietary survey methodology of FINDIET 2007 with a risk assessment perspective
Authors: Reinivuo Heli , Hirvonen Tero , Ovaskainen Marja-Leena , Korhonen Tommi , Valsta Liisa M 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA cross-sectional survey, FINDIET 2007, was carried out in Finland. Food intake data was collected by a 48 h recall interview. Additional food intake data was collected by a repeated 3 d food diary, a barcode-based product diary, a food frequency questionnaire and by a supplementary questionnaire on rarely eaten foods. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the methodology of the national dietary survey and to discuss the particular implications for the applications of food consumption data in risk assessment. The food consumption data of the FINDIET 2007 survey can be used in food risk assessment, due thanks to flexible data processing of individual food consumption, and a risk assessment point of view was taken into account. However, international standardisation projects are needed in order to estimate comparable food intakes.
Educational differences in the diet of Finnish adults and the associations between education and the determinants and facilitators of dietary fat quality
Authors: Ovaskainen Marja-Leena , Paturi Merja , Tapanainen Heli , Harald Kennet 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study is to elucidate differences in adults’ diet by education, and to analyse the associations between dietary facilitators, education and dietary fat quality.DesignIn all, one-third of subjects from the national FINRISK health survey were invited to participate in the FINDIET 2007 Survey. A 48 h dietary interview was used for dietary data and personal background data were collected by the health survey questionnaire.SettingRepresentative sample from five regions in Finland in spring 2007.SubjectsA total of 1576 adults, participation rate 60 %.ResultsOil used in cooking differed by education. Instead perception of cardiovascular risk, or the following of a cholesterol-lowering diet, were equal across all educational categories. The diet of men with low education contained less protein and carbohydrates, more fat and more SFA and MUFA than that of highly educated men. The diet of women with low education contained less PUFA, vitamin C and vitamin E than in the highly educated category. High education remained a significant determinant for the lower intake of SFA in men, and for the higher intake of PUFA in women, after adjusting for the determinants and facilitators of dietary behaviour and age. The lower intake of SFA was also associated with following a cholesterol-lowering diet in both genders. In addition to education, the intake of unsaturated fatty acids was determined by the oil used in cooking by women, and by frequent lunches served by caterers for men.ConclusionsIn dietary behaviour, awareness and reporting of cholesterol-lowering diet seem to indicate a tendency to control the intake of saturated fat. Health messages are likely to enhance tools for increasing the intake of PUFA, in addition to reducing the intake of SFA.
The diet of adolescents can be improved by school intervention
Authors: Hoppu Ulla , Lehtisalo Jenni , Kujala Johanna , Keso Teija , Garam Sini , Tapanainen Heli , Uutela Antti , Laatikainen Tiina , Rauramo Ulla , Pietinen Pirjo 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo decrease the intake of sucrose, increase the intake of fibre and the consumption of fruit and vegetables among secondary-school pupils.DesignIntervention study among eighth grade pupils during one school year. Data were collected by questionnaires and from a subgroup of pupils by 48 h dietary recall at baseline in spring 2007 and after the intervention in 2008.SettingTwelve secondary schools were randomly allocated to intervention (IS) and control schools (CS) within three cities. Intervention included nutrition education and improvement of the food environment focusing particularly on the quality of snacks at school.SubjectsA total of 659 pupils completed the questionnaires and the dietary recall was obtained from 287 pupils both at baseline and follow-up.ResultsThe frequency of consumption of rye bread increased (P = 0·03) and that of sweets decreased (P = 0·006) among girls in the IS. The intake of sucrose fell among IS pupils, from 12·8 % to 10·5 % of the total energy intake (P = 0·01). Intake of fruit (g/MJ) remained the same in IS, whereas it decreased in CS (P = 0·04).ConclusionsSugar intake can be lowered by improving the quality of snacks, but it is more difficult to increase fibre intake and fruit and vegetable consumption unless the content of school lunches can be modified. It is the responsibility of the adults working in schools to create a healthy environment and to make healthy choices easy for pupils.
Pioglitazone in addition to metformin improves erythrocyte deformability in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Forst Thomas , Weber Matthias M. , Löbig Mirjam , Lehmann Ute , Müller Jürgen , Hohberg Cloth , Friedrich Christiane , Fuchs Winfried , Pfützner Andreas 
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of PIO (pioglitazone) or GLIM (glimepiride) on erythrocyte deformability in T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus). The study covered 23 metformin-treated T2DM patients with an HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) &gt;6.5%. Patients were randomized to receive either PIO (15 mg, twice a day) or GLIM (1 mg, twice a day) in combination with metformin (850 mg, twice a day) for 6 months. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, intact proinsulin, adiponectin and Hct (haematocrit). In addition, the erythrocyte EI (elongation index) was measured using laser diffractoscopy. Both treatments significantly improved HbA1c levels (PIO, −0.9±1.1%; GLIM, −0.6±0.4%; both P&lt;0.05) and resulted in comparable HbA1c levels after 6 months (PIO, 6.5±1.2%; GLIM, 6.2±0.4%) Treatment with PIO reduced fasting insulin levels (−8.7±15.8 milli-units/l; P=0.098), intact proinsulin levels (−11.8±9.5 pmol/l; P&lt;0.05) and Hct (−1.3±2.3%; P=0.09), whereas adiponectin levels increased (8.2±4.9 μg/ml; P&lt;0.05). No significant change in these parameters was observed during GLIM treatment. PIO improved the EI, resulting in a significant increase in EI at all physiological shear stress ranges (0.6–6.0 Pa; P&lt;0.05). The improvement in EI correlated with the increase in adiponectin levels (r=0.74; P&lt;0.001), and inversely with intact proinsulin levels (r=−0.47; P&lt;0.05). This is the first study showing an improvement in EI during treatment with PIO, which was associated with an increase in adiponectin and a decrease in intact proinsulin levels, but independent of glycaemic control.
Heavy Element Abundances in Planetary Nebulae: A Theorist's Perspective
Authors: Karakas Amanda I. , Lugaro Maria 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe determination of heavy element abundances from planetary nebula (PN) spectra provides an exciting opportunity to study the nucleosynthesis occurring in the progenitor asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. We perform post-processing calculations on AGB models of a large range of mass and metallicity to obtain predictions for the production of neutron-capture elements up to the first s-process peak at strontium. We find that solar metallicity intermediate-mass AGB models provide a reasonable match to the heavy element composition of Type I PNe. Likewise, many of the Se and Kr enriched PNe are well fitted by lower mass models with solar or close-to-solar metallicities. However, those objects most enriched in Krand those PN with sub-solar Se/O ratios are difficult to explain with AGB-nucleosynthesis models. Furthermore, we compute s-process abundance predictions for low-mass AGB models of very low metallicity ([Fe/H]≈−2.3) using both scaled solar and an α-enhanced initial composition. For these models, O is dredged to the surface, which means that abundance ratios measured relative to this element (e.g. X/O) do not provide a reliable measure of initial abundance ratios, or of production within the star owing to internal nucleosynthesis.
Sub-Arcsecond Morphology of Planetary Nebulae
Authors: Miranda L. F. , Ramos-Larios G. , Guerrero M. A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPlanetary nebulae (PNe) can be roughly categorized into several broad morphological classes. The high quality images of PNe acquired in recent years, however, have revealed a wealth of fine structures that preclude simplistic models for their formation. Here we present narrow-band, sub-arcsecond images of a sample of relatively large PNe that illustrate the complexity and variety of small-scale structures. This is especially true for bipolar PNe, for which the images reveal multi-polar ejections and, in some cases, suggest turbulent gas motions. Our images also reveal the presence or signs of jet-like outflows in several objects in which this kind of component has not been previously reported.
High-Resolution Spectroscopy of the Planetary Nebulae PM 1–242, PM 1–318 and PM 1–322
Authors: Miranda L. F. , Vázquez R. , Guerrero M. A. , Pereira C. B. , Iñiguez-Garín E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe have recently confirmed the planetary nebula (PN) nature of PM 1–242, PM 1–318 and PM 1–322. Here we present high-resolution long-slit spectra of these three PNe in order to analyze their internal kinematics and to investigate their physical structure. PM 1–242 is a tilted ring and not an elliptical PN as suggested by direct images. The object is probably related to ring-like PNe and shows an unusual pointsymmetric brightness distribution in the ring. PM 1–318 is a pole-on elliptical PN, instead of a circular one as suggested by direct images. PM 1–322 is spatially unresolved and its spectrum shows large differences between the forbidden lines and Hα profiles, with the latter showing a double-peaked profile and relatively extended wings (FWZI ~325 km s−1). These properties are found in other PNe that are suspected to host a symbiotic central star.
Legacies of the Macquarie/AAO/Strasbourg Hα Planetary Nebula Project (MASH): An International Workshop in Honour of the Career of Agnès Acker
Authors: Parker Quentin A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA concise summary of the recent international workshop held in honour of the career of Agnès Acker is presented together with a brief exposition of her productive career in the study of Planetary Nebulae, the expelled, ionised outer shrouds of dying stars.