bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Pleistocene refugia in North American cold deserts using phylogeographic analyses and ecological niche modelling
Authors: Wilson Joseph S. , Pitts James P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim We analysed phylogeographic patterns and ecological niche models (ENMs) of the widespread velvet ant (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)Sphaeorpthalma difficilisto understand the history of diversification in the Nearctic deserts and to identify areas that may have been cold‐desert refugia during the Pleistocene. These areas should be targeted for conservation because of their climatic stability throughout historical climate change events.Location North American arid regions.Methods The two internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) were sequenced and analysed using Bayesian techniques to uncover phylogeographic patterns of relatedness amongS. difficilispopulations. History of diversification was estimated using parsimony‐based and maximum likelihood character reconstructions. Molecular dating analyses were implemented in the program r8s and were calibrated with Dominican amber fossils. ENMs were developed based on current climate data and projected onto Pleistocene climate surfaces.Results The analyses suggest thatS. difficilishad a complex history of Pleistocene range expansion and contraction that led to the formation of genetically distinct populations inhabiting distinct arid regions. ENMs and phylogeographic patterns indicate that several cold‐desert refugia existed in North America, particularly in the Colorado Plateau and parts of the Great Basin Desert.Main conclusions Analyses ofS. difficilisare used to identify potential Pleistocene refugia in the North American cold deserts. Because these areas represent climatically stable locations, they are critical for the long‐term persistence of biodiversity. This research provides evidence that in addition to desert‐like conditions persisting through the ice age in parts of the Nearctic warm deserts, many areas maintained desert‐like characteristics in the regional cold deserts. Further work is needed to elucidate options for preserving biodiversity in these cold‐desert refugia.
Characterization of Japanese cypress pollinosis and the effects of early interventional treatment for cypress pollinosis
Authors: Okano Mitsuhiro , Fujiwara Tazuko , Higaki Takaya , Makihara Seiichiro , Haruna Tekenori , Nishizaki Kazunori 
Published: March 2012

SummaryIn Japan, pollen from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), species that have been planted in approximately 4.5 and 2.6 million ha, respectively, is spread wide through aerial dispersion in spring. Consequently, Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis (JCCP) is the major phenotype of allergic rhinitis (AR) in Japan, and significantly impairs the quality of life (QOL). Compared with Japanese cedar pollinosis, the pathogenesis and management of Japanese cypress pollinosis remain unclear. Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 are major allergens in Japanese cypress pollen, and have considerable homology with Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, respectively, in Japanese cedar pollen. Several other components were recently identified in Japanese cypress pollen, and may facilitate allergic inflammation via IgE‐independent mechanisms. Allergen‐specific CD4+ Th2 cells producing interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐31 are believed to play central roles in the pathogenesis of AR. The major human T cell epitopes in Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 have been identified. Compared with those in Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, both common and unique T cell epitopes in the cypress allergens have been characterized. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) produced these Th2‐type cytokines in response to a crude extract of Japanese cypress pollen. Among these cytokines, induction of antigen‐specific IL‐5 and IL‐31 production is closely associated with the onset and exacerbation of Japanese cypress pollinosis, respectively. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy using a standardized extract of Japanese cedar pollen is effective in controlling both naso‐ocular symptoms and QOL during the period of cedar pollen dispersion, although the significant efficacy tends to be reduced during the period of cypress pollen dispersion, especially when the pollen dispersion is high. IL‐5 production by PBMCs in response to the crude extract of Japanese cypress pollen did not differ significantly between patients with and without the immunotherapy, suggesting that unique component(s) in Japanese cypress pollen can induce IL‐5 production, which is not fully suppressed by immunotherapy with the standardized extract of cedar pollen. The Practical Guideline for Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan recommends that patients who experience severe symptoms of pollinosis every year should receive early interventional treatment. Although early interventional treatment with a histamine H1 receptor antagonist (H1RA) is effective for Japanese cedar pollinosis, especially at the beginning of the season, this treatment has limitations for Japanese cypress pollinosis when exposure to the pollen is high. Combined therapy with a leukotriene receptor antagonist and/or intranasal corticosteroids may be required to fully control the worsening of JCCP during the cypress pollen season.
Early intervention for Japanese cedar and cypress pollinosis
Authors: Yonekura S. , Okamoto Y. , Horiguchi S. , Okubo K. , Gotoh M. , Konno A. , Okuda M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryIt is considered that early intervention for pollinosis relieves symptoms during the pollen season in Japan. Therefore, initiating medication prior to pollen dispersal has recently become a popular trend under the influence of the mass media. However, the actual benefits of this kind of early intervention during the peak of the pollen season have not been evaluated enough. We review a randomized placebo‐controlled trial that was conducted to examine the efficacy of early intervention (before pollen dispersal) with the oral cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) pranlukast against pollinosis symptoms in patients with allergy to Japanese cedar and cypress pollens in 2007. The subjects were treated with pranlukast or placebo for 4 weeks at the beginning of the cedar pollen dispersal season. Subsequently, all the patients received nasal steroid therapy concomitantly with pranlukast throughout the remaining period of the pollen dispersal season. The effects were evaluated by symptom scores based on allergy diaries and quality of life (QOL) scores as determined by the Japan Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. In the pranlukast‐pre‐treated patients, the nasal symptoms (paroxysmal sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion) were improved during the early Japanese cedar pollen dispersal season. Subsequently, concomitant therapy with pranlukast plus nasal steroids for the rest of the pollen season significantly improved the symptom and QOL scores compared with the placebo‐pre‐treated patients. This study shows that LTRA administration to Japanese cedar and cypress pollinosis patients starting just before and continuing throughout the pollen dispersion season in high‐risk communities is effective for improving the clinical symptoms and indicators of pollinosis. Further assessment of the efficacy of early intervention with an LTRA is required in comparison with other drug therapies, with consideration of the associated cost–benefit effectiveness.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy
Authors: Sato Kodo 
Published: March 2012

SummaryMany women suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR). The disease is often pre‐existing and sometimes coincidental during pregnancy, and can worsen, improve, or stay the same during pregnancy. Besides ameliorating the detrimental effects of AR on the patient's quality of life, correct treatment is important for controlling concomitant asthma. If possible, it is important to highlight the risks of not taking such medications at a pre‐conception visit. Although most medications for AR readily cross the placenta, there are several choices of treatment for controlling the symptoms during pregnancy. The choices may be varied depending on the disease course and symptoms, and inhaled corticosteroids are considered to be the first‐line medical treatment. In addition, either a first‐generation antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine, or a second‐generation antihistamine, such as cetirizine or loratadine, can be prescribed as the second‐line medical treatment. As an alternative, intranasal cromolyn can be prescribed safely. Some of the leukotriene receptor antagonists and nasal decongestant sprays can only be prescribed when other methods are no longer valid and strict benefits can be expected. It is considered safe to continue immunotherapy during pregnancy.
MEASURING EFFECTS ON STOCK RETURNS OF SENTIMENT INDEXES CREATED FROM STOCK MESSAGE BOARDS
Authors: Zhang Ying , Swanson Peggy E. , Prombutr Wikrom 
Published: March 2012

AbstractVarious techniques and sources of information exist to aid investors in predicting future stock returns. However, no effective proxy for retail investors, such as stock message board users, has been established. This study provides guidelines for creating an effective proxy. The heart of such proxies is sentiment indexes, and in the past the indexes have had low predictive power. Introducing four methodological improvements for applying text classifiers and two probability measurements, we contrast eight widely applied text classifiers to stock message board data. Based on the classifier results and incorporating our new methods, the new sentiment index proves to be a significant “same‐day positive but next‐day negative” directional indicator.
THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CONDITIONING INFORMATION ON PORTFOLIO EFFICIENCY IN THE PRESENCE OF COSTLY SHORT‐SELLING
Authors: Taylor Nicholas 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe economic significance of conditioning information in the presence of costly short‐selling is investigated. Using a compact testing framework, results demonstrate that fixed‐weight stock‐bond portfolios appear inefficient with respect to stock‐bond portfolios with weights determined by extant predictors. However, this result is highly dependent on ex ante knowledge of the predictor set and the ability to short‐sell at low cost. In the absence of such conditions, fixed‐weight stock‐bond portfolios appear efficient with respect to conditioning information.
Trends and morbidity associated with oxytocin use in labour in nulliparas at term
Authors: Buchanan Sarah L. , Patterson Jillian A. , Roberts Christine L. , Morris Jonathan M. , Ford Jane B. 
Published: March 2012

AimTo determine the trends in oxytocin use at a population level within New South Wales and to assess the maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with the use of oxytocin.MethodsTrends in oxytocin use were assessed for women in NSW who were nulliparas at term with a singleton, cephalic fetus between 1998 and 2008. Maternal and neonatal morbidities were assessed in 2007–2008 using linked hospital and birth data with regression analysis. Oxytocin was also assessed by indication for use being either induction or augmentation of labour.ResultsThe overall use of oxytocin increased from 10 291 (36.5%) of births in 1998 to 14 440 (45.4%) of births in 2008 (P < 0.0001) with the increase entirely because of the increased use for induction of labour. The use of oxytocin was associated with an increase in regional analgesia (65 to 22%), instrumental delivery (21 to 18%) and caesarean section (29 to 14%) as compared to women who did not receive oxytocin in labour. Oxytocin was also associated with an increase in severe maternal adjusted odds ratios ((aOR) 1.48, 95% CI 1.30–1.68) and neonatal morbidity (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.41). This increase in morbidity was maintained when both augmentation and induction were assessed separately.ConclusionOxytocin has an important role in the management of labour. However, its use should be carefully monitored with standardised treatment regimes to minimise maternal and neonatal morbidity.
High Speed SPM Applied for Direct Nanoscale Mapping of the Influence of Defects on Ferroelectric Switching Dynamics
Authors: Huey Bryan D. , Nath Premnath Ramesh , Lee Sungjun , Polomoff Nicholas A. 
Published: March 2012

A high speed variation of Scanning Probe Microscopy with continuous image rates on the order of 1 frame per second is applied to investigate the nucleation and growth of individual ferroelectric domains. Movies of consecutive images directly identify nascent domains and their nucleation times, while tracking their development with time and voltage reveals linear domain growth at lateral velocities near 1 mm/s, even faster for nascent domains. Nanoscale maps of nucleation times and growth velocities indicate that domain nucleation and growth are uncorrelated, varying extensively with position. Domain switching dynamics do strongly couple to film defects; for instance, grain boundaries can profoundly pin domain walls, and polarization reversal kinetics are influenced by strain fields near microcracks or in asymmetric specimens. The influence of the onset of switching fatigue is observed as well. These results highlight the importance of updating classical interpretations of ferroelectric switching for truly rigorous models of polarization dynamics. Coupling high speed SPM imaging with in situ activation by voltage or other parameters therefore provides an important methodology to research dynamic surface properties with nanoscale resolution, extendable to a range of materials such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, batteries, fuel cells, multiferroics, phase change systems, etc.
Prevalence of peri‐implant diseases. A cross‐sectional study based on a private practice environment
Authors: Mir‐Mari Javier , Mir‐Orfila Pedro , Figueiredo Rui , Valmaseda‐Castellón Eduard , Gay‐Escoda Cosme 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimTo determine the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases in private practice patients enrolled in a periodontal maintenance programme.Material and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out in patients with dental implants attending the dental clinic to comply with a periodontal maintenance programme between January and June 2010. Implants with at least 1 year of loading time (range: 1–18 years) were included. A patient‐based prevalence analysis of peri‐implant diseases was carried out. Additionally, implants were classified into the following categories: healthy, clinically stable, mucositis and peri‐implantitis.ResultsA total of 245 patients (964 dental implants) were analysed. Implant and patient‐based peri‐implantitis prevalences were 9.1% [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 7.5–11.1%] and 16.3% [95%CI: 12.2–21.5%] respectively. Mucositis affected 21.6% [95%CI: 19.1–24.5%] of the studied implants and 38.8% [95%CI: 33.3–45.4%] of the patients.ConclusionsThe prevalence of peri‐implantitis in private practice patients enrolled in a periodontal maintenance programme was estimated to be between 12% and 22%. Almost 40% of the patients had mucositis. These prevalences are similar to those published in University environment samples.
S3 – Guidelines on the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris (English version). Update
Authors: Nast Alexander , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Mrowietz Ulrich , Ockenfels Hans‐Michael , Philipp Sandra , Reich Kristian , Rosenbach Thomas , Sammain Adel , Schlaeger Martin , Sebastian Michael , Sterry Wolfram , Streit Volker , Augustin Matthias , Erdmann Ricardo , Klaus Joachim , Koza Joachim , Muller Siegrid , Orzechowski Hans‐Dieter , Rosumeck Stefanie , Schmid‐Ott Gerhard , Weberschock Tobias , Rzany Berthold 
Published: March 2012

SummaryPsoriasis vulgaris is a common and often chronic inflammatory skin disease.The incidence of psoriasis in Western industrialized countries ranges from 1.5% to 2%. Patients afflicted with severe psoriasis vulgaris may experience a significant reduction in quality of life. Despite the large variety of treatment options available, surveys have shown that patients still do not received optimal treatments. To optimize the treatment of psoriasis in Germany, the Deutsche Dermatologi sche Gesellschaft (DDG) and the Berufsverband Deutscher Dermatologen (BVDD) have initiated a project to develop evidence‐based guidelines for the management of psoriasis. They were first published in 2006 and updated in 2011. The Guidelines focus on induction therapy in cases of mild, moderate and severe plaque‐type psoriasis in adults including systemic therapy, UV therapy and topical therapies.The therapeutic recommendations were developed based on the results of a systematic literature search and were finalized during a consensus meeting using structured consensus methods (nominal group process).
Testicular torsion: a 15‐year single‐centre clinical and histological analysis
Authors: Saxena AK , Castellani C , Ruttenstock EM , Höllwarth ME 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  This study reviewed the demographic, epidemiological and clinical factors of boys seen at a single centre who underwent surgical exploration for testicular torsion.Methods:  Retrospective single‐centre review of boys with testicular torsion between 1996 and 2011 was made.Results:  Testicular torsion (right n = 43, left n = 60, bilateral n = 1) was identified in 104 boys between 0 and 18 years. Ten newborns presented with 11 intrauterine torsions. Nine torsions presented in undescended inguinal testes (one intrauterine). In 94 boys with descended testes, presentation included pain (76%), scrotal swelling (65%) and abdominal symptoms (22%). Ultrasonography was performed in 85 patients with false‐negative results in 4 (4.7%). Orchiectomy was performed during initial exploration in 41, with significantly higher rates of orchiectomies in patients with late (>6 h) versus patients with early referrals (<6 h) (56% vs. 9.1%). Histological evaluation was carried out in 68 testes, with 43 resected testes demonstrating haemorrhagic necrosis. In 25 biopsied testes, histology revealed acute parenchymal bleeding (n = 14), onset of parenchymal infarction (n = 8), orchitis (n = 1) and normal tissue (n = 2). Eighty‐two patients were followed up with pathological findings in four patients: testicular atrophies requiring orchiectomy (n = 2), testicular autolysis (n = 1) and small testicular vein thrombosis (n = 1).Conclusion:  Chances of testicular salvage after torsion are higher if patients present early. The majority of patients presenting late (>6 h) require orchiectomy owing to testicular necrosis.
Diabetes, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis and chronic arthritis in first‐degree relatives of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Pohjankoski Heini , Kautiainen Hannu , Kotaniemi Kaisu , Korppi Matti , Savolainen Anneli 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the occurrence of autoimmune diseases in first‐degree relatives of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to compare the figures with published population data.Materials and methods:  Families of the 362 children with recently diagnosed JIA admitted to Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Finland, from 1996 to 2001 were contacted by questionnaires regarding autoimmune diseases in family members. Data were collected on type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis and chronic arthritis, consisting mainly of JIA, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy or psoriatic arthritis.Results:  In all, 21.4% of the 355 families with a patient with JIA had members with type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis or chronic arthritis. Thirty‐three mothers and 23 fathers had type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis or chronic arthritis in 15.2% (95% CI 11.6–19.4) of the families, and 23 mothers and 15 fathers had chronic arthritis in 10.7% (95% CI 7.7–14.5) of the families. When compared with available research data, the prevalences of rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, psoriatic arthritis, paediatric type 1 diabetes and JIA (in siblings) were increased in JIA families. Coeliac disease was as prevalent as in the population.Conclusion:  Autoimmune diseases cluster in families with a child with JIA.
Excessive Fall of Blood Pressure During Maintenance Hemodialysis in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure Is Induced by Vascular Malfunction and Imbalance of Autonomic Nervous Activity
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuya , Kobayashi Naoyuki , Kutsuna Toshiki , Ishii Akira , Matsumoto Takuya , Hara Miyako , Aiba Naoko , Tabata Minoru , Takahira Naonobu , Masuda Takashi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAcute hypotension during maintenance hemodialysis (HD) is not only a critical complication, but also an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). This study was designed to clarify the mechanisms underlying excessive fall of blood pressure during HD. Fifty‐six CRF patients with HD thrice a week were divided into two groups according to the intradialytic hypotension episodes after 4 weeks of the observation period; the hypotension group, showing four or more episodes of intradialytic hypotension, and the non‐hypotension group, showing three episodes of intradialytic hypotension or less. The intradialytic hypotension was defined as a fall of ≥30 mm Hg in the systolic blood pressure during HD. The brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV), serum high‐sensitivity (hs)‐CRP, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and serum malondialdehyde‐modified LDL (MDA‐LDL) were measured before HD. The high‐ frequency (HF) and low‐frequency components (LF) of the heart rate variability and entropy were analyzed by the maximal entropy method. The ba‐PWV, hs‐CRP, ROS generation, and MDA‐LDL were significantly higher in the hypotension group than in the non‐hypotension group. HF, LF/HF, and entropy during HD increased significantly in the non‐hypotension group, while entropy during HD decreased significantly in the hypotension group as compared with the baseline. LF/HF and entropy during HD were significantly lower in the hypotension group than in the non‐hypotension group. These findings suggest that the major factors causing excessive fall of blood pressure during HD in patients with CRF might be vascular malfunction and imbalance of autonomic nervous activity.
Lack of associations between ultrasonographic appearance of parenchymal lesions of the canine liver and histological diagnosis
Authors: Warren‐Smith C. M. R. , Andrew S. , Mantis P. , Lamb C. R. 
Published: March 2012

Objective:To assess if there are any ultrasonographic features that may enable tentative diagnosis of hepatic parenchymal disease.Methods:Records of 371 dogs that had abdominal ultrasonography and abnormal liver on biopsy or necropsy were reviewed.Results:Histological diagnoses were hepatitis (n=77), nodular hyperplasia (n=47), vacuolar change (n=45), fibrosis (n=32), primary hepatic carcinoma (n=30), lymphoma (n=28), metastatic neoplasia (n=27), necrosis (n=21), lipidosis (n=17), haemangiosarcoma (n=13), round cell tumour (n=9), hepatocellular adenoma (n=8), degenerative change (n=6), steroid hepatopathy (n=7) and extramedullary haematopoiesis (n=4). The most prevalent ultrasonographic features were multifocal lesions (63% livers with haemangiosarcoma and 43% livers with hepatocellular carcinoma), diffuse lesions (71% livers with steroid hepatopathy, 44% livers with fibrosis and 40% livers with vacuolar hepatopathy), hyperechoic lesions (71% livers with steroid hepatopathy, 41% livers with lipidosis and 38% livers with fibrosis), heterogeneous lesions (62% livers with haemangiosarcoma), hepatomegaly (43% livers with steroid hepatopathy) and peritoneal fluid (62% livers with haemangiosarcoma). Target lesions were associated with malignancy in 67% instances. Marked variability in ultrasonographic appearance of lesions was observed for all diagnoses, and no statistically significant associations between ultrasonographic appearance and diagnosis were found.ClinicalSignificance:Histological examination remains essential for diagnosis of canine hepatic disease.