bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin D and diabetic neuropathy in a nationally representative sample: results from 2001–2004 NHANES
Authors: Soderstrom L. H. , Johnson S. P. , Diaz V. A. , Mainous A. G 
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 50–55 (2012)AbstractAims  To evaluate the association between vitamin D insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy in a nationally representative sample of adults with diagnosed diabetes.Methods  Vitamin D concentrations, medical examination variables and questionnaire results from the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analysed for adults ≥ 40 years old with diagnosed diabetes (unweighted n = 591, weighted n = 8.82 million). Neuropathy was defined as self report of peripheral neuropathy symptoms of painful sensation, tingling, numbness or loss of feeling in hands or feet. Additionally, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test results were used as an indicator of neuropathy. Insufficient vitamin D was characterized as < 30 ng/ml.Results  In the weighted population, 81% of adults with diabetes had vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was more common among Hispanics (92%) and non‐Hispanic black people (98%) than among non‐Hispanic white people (76%). Within the 3 months preceding the questionnaire, 50% reported experiencing pain or numbness (paresthesia) in their hands or feet; 37% reported pain or tingling in hands or feet; and 38% reported numbness or loss of feeling in hands or feet. Eight per cent had 4–6 insensate areas on their feet as determined by the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test. Logistic regressions demonstrate vitamin D insufficiency is associated with the adjusted composite paresthesia measure (odds ratio 2.12; 95% CI 1.17–3.85) and the adjusted numbness measure (odds ratio 2.04; 95% CI 1.18–3.52).Conclusions  Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with self‐reported peripheral neuropathy symptoms even after adjusting for demographic factors, obesity, co‐morbidities, use of medications for neuropathy and diabetes duration and control.
Working memory and response inhibition in children and adolescents: Age and organization issues
Authors: LAMBEK RIKKE , SHEVLIN MARK 
Published: July 2011

Lambek, R. & Shevlin, M. (2011). Working memory and response inhibition in children and adolescents: Age and organization issues.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 427–432.The aim of the present study was to examine the role of age in the organization of verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory and inhibition; specifically whether these constructs could be considered unitary or separate in children aged 7 to 12 years (n= 164) and in adolescents aged 13 to 16 years (n= 75) using a multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis. Results suggested that verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory and inhibition improved from childhood to adolescence. However, improvement was not followed by a change in the organization of these components. Verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory and inhibition constituted separable but associated constructs in children and in adolescents.
Tripartite consultation: an emergent form of governance shaping employment relations in China
Authors: Shao Sijun , Nyland Chris , Zhu Cherrie Jiuhua 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThis article examines China's approach to industrial consultation by examining six tripartite bodies at the national, provincial and county levels. It argues that the institutionalisation of tripartitism is consistent with China's overall approach to market reform being characterised by experimentalism, gradualism, dynamism and a gradual softening of party domination. Despite limitations, it is accepted that China is building a transition tripartite system that is bolstering the autonomy and representational capacity of the social partners.
Healthy and tasty school snacks: suggestions from Brazilian children consumers
Authors: Kuntz Marilyn G.F. , Fiates Giovanna M.R. , Teixeira Evanilda 
Published: July 2011

AbstractChildren do not choose what to eat based on health issues alone, and the high availability of non‐nutritious food in the environment can be a barrier to the consumption of healthy foods. Brazilian children are consuming processed, savoury, rich in fat, sodium and refined carbohydrates rather than more nutrient‐dense foods. Foods offered in public school meals and those sold in private school canteens in Brazil are subject to regulation, but not the snacks brought from home. This study identified the suggestions of public and private school students about the characteristics that a snack should present in order to be considered both healthy and palatable. A qualitative exploratory study using focus groups was conducted with 128 primary school students aged 7–10 years old. Interviews were transcribed and content analysis was conducted, generating three categories: (1) foods actually consumed during snack breaks; (2) examples of foods considered healthy and/or tasty for consumption during snack breaks; and (3) desired characteristics of a healthy and tasty snack. Foods of high energy density and low nutritional value were mentioned as the most consumed snacks, usually brought from home or purchased within/near the schools. Consumption of meals offered by the National School Meal Program was reported by only one‐third of the public school students. Fruits, natural juices and vegetables were considered healthy foods; sweet‐tasting preparations containing fruits were considered tasty; while fruits and natural fruit juices were considered both healthy and tasty. Sweet‐tasting preparations containing fruits were mentioned as examples of snacks with the desired healthy/tasty characteristics. The disparity between what was actually consumed and what was reported as ideal leads us to question the availability in retail stores of healthy yet palatable foods that meet this population's desires.
Chinese Movies and History Education: The Case of Zhang Yimou’s ‘To Live’
Authors: Mungur Amy 
Published: July 2011

AbstractUsing film to promote historical understanding is not a new phenomenon. However, such use presents difficulty when dealing with non‐Western history, as sufficient care must be given to not engender historical misunderstanding and the reinforcement of stereotypes. Much of the research on teaching with film centers on Hollywood productions that typically embody a Western perspective. The problem is compounded by the fact that textbooks used in American classrooms offer only a limited presentation of such critical events in modern Chinese history as the Chinese Civil War, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution. Teachers can therefore greatly benefit from the use of additional background materials to teach this content more effectively. Using existing research on film in the classroom, this paper explores briefly the histories represented in some popular Chinese film, with a specific focus on Zhang Yimou’s To Live. It discusses how use of this film in particular can be used to assist students in constructing historical knowledge and understanding about China.
Type 2 diabetic obese db/db mice are refractory to myocardial ischaemic post‐conditioning in vivo: potential role for Hsp20, F1‐ATPase δ and Echs1
Authors: Zhu Shu‐Guang , Xi Lei , Kukreja Rakesh C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIschaemic post‐conditioning (PostC) is a clinically relevant cardioprotective modality that has been confirmed in many species including human. It remains unknown if PostC can still protect heart in Type 2 diabetes, a rapidly growing disease in the world. This study investigated the efficacy of PostC in the leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice, which possess Type 2 diabetic characteristics including obesity, hyperglycaemia and hyperleptinaemia. Adult male C57BL/6J wild‐type (WT) and db/db mice were anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated and subjected to left coronary artery occlusion for 30 min. followed by 24 hrs of reperfusion. For the PostC groups, the hearts underwent six cycles of 10 sec. of reperfusion and 10 sec. of re‐occlusion at the onset of reperfusion. The mice were sacrificed at the end of 24 hrs reperfusion for infarct size measurement. PostC significantly reduced infarct size in WT mice (n = 6/group; P < 0.05), but not in the db/db mice. To identify alterations in protein expression by PostC, proteomic analyses were performed in the heart samples using two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis with three CyDye labelling, followed by mass spectrometry. The results show that mitochondrial proteins (F1‐ATPase γ and Echs1) were down‐regulated by PostC in WT heart. Such change was absent in the db/db heart. On the other hand, PostC reduced Hsp20 in the diabetic heart. In summary, PostC fails to protect Type 2 diabetic mice against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. The potential protein targets for the loss of PostC may include F1‐ATPase γ, Echs1 and Hsp20 that could regulate cellular ATP consumption/production and defense response to ischaemic stress.
Reamer‐mediated transalveolar sinus floor elevation without osteotome and simultaneous implant placement in the maxillary molar area: clinical outcomes of 391 implants in 380 patients
Authors: Ahn Sang‐Hoon , Park Eun‐Jin , Kim Eun‐Suk 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives: Minimally invasive sinus elevation and augmentation using a transalveolar approach can reduce perioperative complications and patient discomfort. A specially designed reamer accomplishes this without the use of an osteotome or a mallet. The objective of this study is to present this technique with relevant clinical cases and patient outcomes.Material and methods: Series of reamers with one cutting and one reaming edge were used to prepare an osteotomy site for posterior maxillary areas. A total of 391 osteotomies were prepared with the reamer in 380 patients, and 373 implants were placed simultaneously. In addition to the procedure's success parameters, levels of intraoperative patient comfort were monitored using a visual analogue scale.Results: The mean height of the residual alveolar process was 5.8 (0.9) mm, whereas mean elevation of the sinus floor was 6.2 (0.4) mm. Eighteen (4.6%) Schneiderian membrane perforations occurred, and the 2‐year survival rate was 95.4%. The success rate was 92.7% in sites with thin sinus floors (<4 mm) and 96.4% in sites with greater bone height (>4 mm). None of the patients experienced any discomfort during the procedure.Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that reamer‐mediated transalveolar sinus floor elevation is a reliable method for implant placement in the posterior maxilla, even at sites with ≤4 mm of residual alveolar bone height. This reamer‐mediated procedure is less invasive than traditional osteotomy and can minimize patient discomfort during sinus floor elevation.To cite this article: Ahn S‐H, Park E‐J, Kim E‐S. Reamer‐mediated transalveolar sinus floor elevation without osteotome and simultaneous implant placement in the maxillary molar area: clinical outcomes of 391 implants in 380 patients. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 866–872. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02216.x
Extra short dental implants supporting an overdenture in the edentulous maxilla: a proof of concept
Authors: Van Assche N. , Michels S. , Quirynen M. , Naert I. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives: This study investigates the outcome of short implants additionally placed with longer implants to support a maxillary overdenture.Materials and methods: Twelve patients received six implants to support a maxillary overdenture. Only one patient still had two molars in the maxilla, while the others had no remaining teeth. The status of the opposing arch was diverse. The distal implant in each quadrant was 6 mm in height (S) and the middle implants ranged between 10 and 14 mm (L). All implants were placed following a one‐stage procedure and early loaded (6 weeks). Clinical and radiological parameters were assessed 6, 12 and 24 months after loading.Results: One short implant failed 2 weeks after surgery, probably due to early mobilization by the provisional prosthesis. The mean bone loss on the rough part of the implant was 0.7 mm (S) vs. 1.3 mm (L) during the first year and 0.3 mm (S) vs. 0.2 mm (L) during the second year after loading. The mean implant stability quotient values were 67 (S) vs. 70 (L) at placement and 75 (S) vs. 78 (L) after 1 year. At the 2‐year follow‐ up, all prostheses were still stable and comfortable.Conclusion: An overdenture on six implants, of which two have a reduced length, might represent a successful treatment option. No significant difference could be found between both implant lengths at 2 years' follow‐up. However, bone loss with short implants may increase the likelihood of failure.
Seminal Plasma Proteins: What Role Do They Play?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Heriberto , Kvist Ulrik , Ernerudh Jan , Sanz Libia , Calvete Juan J. 
Published: July 2011

Citation Rodríguez‐Martínez H, Kvist U, Ernerudh J, Sanz L, Calvete JJ. Seminal Plasma Proteins: What Role Do They Play? Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 11–22Problem  Semen is a heterogenous and complex cell suspension in a protein‐rich fluid with different functions, some of them well known, others still obscure.Method of study  This paper reviews, comparatively, our current knowledge on the growing field of proteomics of the SP and its relevance in relation to the in vivo situation, for the sake of reproductive biology, diagnostics and treatment.Results  Ejaculated spermatozoa, primarily bathing in cauda epididymal fluid, are (in vitro) bulky, exposed to most, if not all, secretions from the accessory sexual glands. In vivo, however, not all spermatozoa are necessarily exposed to all secretions from these glands, because sperm cohorts are delivered in differential order and bathe in seminal plasma (SP) with different concentrations of constituents, including peptides and proteins. Proteins are relevant for sperm function and relate to sperm interactions with the various environments along the female genital tract towards the oocyte vestments. Specific peptides and proteins act as signals for the female immune system to modulate sperm rejection or tolerance, perhaps even influencing the relative intrinsic fertility of the male and/or couple by attaining a status of maternal tolerance towards embryo and placental development.Conclusions  Proteins of the seminal plasma have an ample panorama of action, and some appear responsible for establishing fertility.
Reduction in miR‐141 is Induced by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Inhibits Proliferation in Choriocarcinoma Cell Line JEG‐3
Authors: Morales‐Prieto Diana M. , Schleussner Ekkehard , Markert Udo R. 
Published: July 2011

Citation Morales‐Prieto DM, Schleussner E, Markert UR. Reduction in miR‐141 is Induced by Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Inhibits Proliferation in Choriocarcinoma Cell line JEG‐3. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 57–62ProblemStarting from the peri‐implantation period, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a major regulator of trophoblast functions. Micro‐RNAs (miRNA) are short non‐coding RNA sequences, which regulate expression of genes at post‐transcriptional level. The influence of LIF on miRNA expression in trophoblastic cells has not yet been analyzed and was focus of this investigation.Method of studyJEG‐3 choriocarcinoma cells have been stimulated with LIF for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hr. The expression of miR‐9, miR‐141, miR‐21, miR‐93, and let‐7g has been analyzed by real‐time PCR. Subsequently, miR‐141 has been silenced and over‐expressed to test its role in the proliferation of JEG‐3 cells after 24 and 48 hr.ResultsMiR‐141 has been significantly downregulated by more than 50% after LIF stimulation, while miR‐21 and miR‐93 expression has been significantly upregulated. Silencing of miR‐141 completely inhibited the proliferation of JEG‐3 cells, while over‐expression had no effect.ConclusionLIF regulates expression of miRNA in trophoblastic cells, which may be responsible for several functional effects induced by LIF.
Peri‐Conceptual Cytokines – Setting the Trajectory for Embryo Implantation, Pregnancy and Beyond
Authors: Robertson Sarah A. , Chin Peck Yin , Glynn Danielle J. , Thompson Jeremy G. 
Published: July 2011

Citation Robertson SA, Chin PY, Glynn DJ, Thompson JG. Peri‐Conceptual Cytokines – Setting the Trajectory for Embryo Implantation, Pregnancy and Beyond. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 2–10Problem  The peri‐conceptual environment influences the early embryo to impart long‐term consequences for the fetus and neonate; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well defined.Method of Study  We argue that the cytokine network acting in the female reproductive tract during the pre‐ and peri‐implantation period integrates environmental information to program the embryo and fine‐tune the maternal immune response and endometrial remodelling to determine implantation success.Results  As well as sex steroid hormones and male seminal fluid factors, female tract cytokines are influenced by agents signalling via the Toll‐like receptors including the microbiome and a plethora of metabolic, chemical and other stressors. In mouse models, an altered peri‐conceptual cytokine environment induced by cytokine deficiency, inflammatory insults or dysregulated seminal fluid signalling is associated with adverse effects on embryo development, pregnancy viability and reproductive outcome.Conclusion  The cytokine network provides a pivotal mechanism through which environmental factors influence both embryo development and receptivity of the uterus.
Immunological Aspects of Endometriosis: An Update
Authors: Olovsson Matts 
Published: July 2011

Citation Olovsson M. Immunological Aspects of Endometriosis: An Update. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66 (Suppl. 1): 101–104ProblemEndometriosis is a very complex disease that profoundly affects the quality of life of many women.Method of studyA review of the relationships between the female immune system and the occurrence and development of endometriosis.ResultsFunction and dysfunction of the female immune system plays important roles in the initiation and progression of the disease and its relation to infertility and cancer.ConclusionsOwing to obvious associations between endometriosis and the immune system, future treatment strategies might be based on immunological concepts and methods.
Endemic systemic mycoses: coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis and blastomycosis
Authors: Bonifaz Alexandro , Vázquez‐González Denisse , Perusquía‐Ortiz Ana María 
Published: July 2011

SummaryEndemic deep or systemic mycoses are common in specific geographical areas of the world. Coccidioidomycosis is present in semi‐desert areas, histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in tropical regions and blastomycosis belongs to temperate climates. The two former are widely distributed in the American continent and some tropical regions of the world; the third is limited to Central and South America, and the last to North America and Central and East Africa. These mycoses all have a similar pathogenesis, as the inoculum enters the host through the respiratory tract. Cutaneous manifestations are secondary to lymphatic and hematogenous dissemination. These deep mycoses are exceptional in Europe. Most cases are observed in returning travelers from endemic areas, aid workers, archaeologists, speleologist and immigrants. However, there have been some autochthonous cases of histoplasmosis due to Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum reported in European countries such as Italy and Germany. In this article, we provide up‐to‐date epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data on the four most important imported systemic mycoses in Europe.
Maternal and neonatal factors associated with poor early weight gain and later retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Wikstrand Margareta Hök , Hård Anna‐Lena , Niklasson Aimon , Smith Lois , Löfqvist Chatarina , Hellström Ann 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To identify factors associated with poor early weight gain as reflected in an alarm system, WINROP, and risk of later proliferative retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with gestational age (GA) < 28 weeks.Methods:  Infants with a WINROP alarm and proliferative ROP, the ‘alarm group’ (n = 23), were matched to GA and gender to a ‘no alarm group’ (n = 23) with no WINROP alarm and no or mild ROP. Retrospectively maternal variables, birth characteristics and neonatal factors, during the first three postnatal weeks, were compared.Results:  The ‘alarm group’ had lower birth weight (BW) and BW standard deviation score, longer stay in ventilator, more insulin and corticosteroid treatments, and lower white blood cell count. In a logistic regression model, BW standard deviation score, insulin, low white blood cell count, absence of both elevated C‐reactive protein and premature rupture of membranes were associated with proliferative ROP and WINROP alarm (p = 0.000, r2 = 0.704).Conclusions:  This study shows that prenatal factors resulting in low BW have persisting effects on early postnatal growth, metabolism and inflammatory response. Future prospective studies will focus on the link between these factors and pathological retinal vessel development in the early postnatal period to find possible preventive strategies.
Restoration of native vegetation following exclosure establishment on communal grazing lands in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Wolde , Veldkamp Edzo 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Questions: Is plant species richness, diversity and above‐ground standing biomass enhanced after establishing exclosures on communal grazing lands? What factors influence the effectiveness of exclosures to restore degraded native vegetation in Tigray, Ethiopia?
Location: Northern Ethiopia.
Methods: We used a space‐for‐time substitution approach to detect changes in plant species richness, diversity and above‐ground standing biomass after conversion of communal grazing lands to exclosures. We selected replicated (n=3) 5‐, 10‐, 15‐ and 20‐year‐old exclosures and paired each exclosure with an adjacent communal grazing land to ensure that soil and terrain conditions were as similar as possible among each pair.
Results: All exclosures displayed higher plant species richness, diversity and biomass than the communal grazing lands. Differences in plant species richness and biomass between an exclosure age and adjacent communal grazing land were higher in oldest than in youngest exclosures. In exclosures, much of the variability in plant species composition and biomass was explained by a combination of edaphic (total nitrogen, phosphorus, texture and soil pH) and site (precipitation and altitude) variables (R2=0.72–0.82). Edaphic and site variables also explained much of the variability in plant species composition in communal grazing lands (R2=0.76–0.82). Our study shows that all exclosures are at an early stage of succession. The increase in economically important indigenous shrub and tree species with exclosure age suggests that, with time, a valuable afromontane forest may develop.
Conclusions: Establishment of exclosures on communal grazing lands is a viable option to restore degraded native vegetation. However, before expanding exclosures, the ecological consequences of additional exclosures should be investigated as further expansion of exclosures could increase grazing pressure on remaining grazing areas. Furthermore, consideration of edaphic and site variables will help optimize selection of areas for establishment of exclosures and enhance natural regeneration in exclosures in the future.