bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total and differential leucocyte counts in relation to incidence of stroke subtypes and mortality: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zia E. , Melander O. , Björkbacka H. , Hedblad B. , Engström G. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  Zia E, Melander O, Björkbacka H, Hedblad B, Engström G (Lund University, Malmö; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö; Skåne University Hospital, Malmö; and Astra Zeneca R&D, Malmö, Sweden). Total and differential leucocyte counts in relation to incidence of stroke subtypes and mortality: a prospective cohort study. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 298–304.Objectives.  Elevated levels of total leucocyte as well as leucocyte subtypes have been associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis is an important cause of cerebral infarction, whereas its significance in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is less clear. A small number of prospective studies have revealed the relationship between leucocyte counts and incident stroke, in particular incidence of stroke subtypes. We evaluated the associations between total leucocyte count (TLC) as well as leucocyte subtypes and the incidence of and mortality caused by different stroke subtypes.Design and subjects.  Of 28 449 participants from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, 26 927 stroke‐free subjects (mean age at screening, 58 ± 8 years) were included in a prospective cohort study. The screening period was between 1991 and 1996. Incidence of stroke, 1‐year mortality and 1‐month case‐fatality rate (CFR) were assessed by linkage to local and national registers. Cox regression analysis was used to assess stroke risk and 1‐year mortality, and 1‐month CFR was assessed by logistic regression analysis.Results.  During a follow‐up period of 13.6 ± 3.3 years, 1515 participants had a first‐ever stroke (cerebral infarction, n = 1314; ICH, n = 201). After adjustments for other risk factors, TLC and neutrophil count were significantly associated with increased incidence of cerebral infarction (hazards ratio (HR), 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–1.7 and 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.5, respectively). There was an inverse association between elevated TLC and incident ICH (HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4–0.99). No associations were found between leucocyte counts and mortality for either stroke subtype.Conclusion.  The results suggest that the relationships with inflammation for ischaemic stroke and ICH are different.
Duodenal lipid‐induced symptom generation in gastroesophageal reflux disease: role of apolipoprotein A‐IV and cholecystokinin
Authors: van Boxel O. S. , ter Linde J. J. M. , Oors J. , Otto B. , Feinle‐Bisset C. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Siersema P. D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Duodenal lipid intensifies the perception of esophageal acid perfusion. Recently, we showed that genes implicated in lipid absorption were upregulated in the duodenum of fasting gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. This suggests that chylomicron production and secretion may be enhanced and, consequently, the release of apolipoprotein A‐IV (apoA‐IV), a chylomicron‐derived signaling protein. ApoA‐IV may stimulate release of cholecystokinin (CCK), an activator of vagal afferents. This study evaluated putative involvement of abnormal apoA‐IV and CCK responses to lipid in GERD.Methods  Ten GERD patients and 10 healthy volunteers (HV) underwent duodenal perfusion with Intralipid 20%, 2 kcal min−1, for 60 min. Symptoms were scored, blood samples collected every 15 min during lipid perfusion and 15 min after discontinuation when duodenal biopsies were taken. Plasma and mucosal concentrations of apoA‐IV and CCK and transcript levels of 21 genes implicated in lipid absorption, differentially expressed under fasting conditions, were quantified.Key Results  Heartburn (P = 0.003), abdominal discomfort (P = 0.037) and nausea (P = 0.008) only increased significantly during lipid infusion in GERD patients. Following lipid infusion mean mucosal apoA‐IV concentration was lower in GERD patients compared with HV (P = 0.023), whereas plasma concentration tended to be elevated (P = 0.068). Mean mucosal CCK concentration was also lower in GERD patients (P = 0.009). Two genes, HIBADH and JTB, were upregulated in GERD patients (P = 0.008 and P = 0.038, respectively).Conclusions & Inferences  Our results suggest excessive duodenal lipid‐induced release of apoA‐IV and CCK in GERD. We postulate that the resulting heightened activation of duodenal vagal afferents may underlie central sensitization, thereby increasing the perception of reflux events.
Evaluation of the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis to clotrimazole, miconazole and thiabendazole using a modified CLSI M27‐A3 microdilution method
Authors: Peano Andrea , Beccati Massimo , Chiavassa Elisa , Pasquetti Mario 
Published: February 2012

Background –  In this study, we evaluated the antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis to clotrimazole (CTZ), miconazole (MCZ), and thiabendazole (TBD), azole derivatives employed in aural formulations labeled for treatment of canine otitis.Methods –  The procedure for in vitro testing was based on the indications of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27‐A3 microdilution method. A lipid‐enriched medium was employed to enhance the yeast growth (Christensen’s urea broth, with 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.5% Tween 40 as the lipid sources), while the inoculums size corresponded to approximately 1–5 × 105 yeast cells/mL. Microplates were incubated at 37°C and read 48 h after inoculation. Azole MICs inhibiting fungal growth were the lowest drug concentrations that showed an optical density of ≤50% of the (drug‐free) growth control, as assessed by spectrophotometer (630 nm filter).Results –  All isolates were inhibited by the three azoles, with different minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Most isolates were inhibited by drug concentrations of 2–8 (CTZ), 1–4 (MCZ), or 16–32 (TBD) μg/mL. These results are partially in agreement with the findings of previous studies, in which substantially higher/lower MICs were occasionally reported. This is likely because of the different methodologies employed. Such discrepancies may not apply to clinical situations, where the compounds are applied topically.Conclusion and clinical importance –  The concept that clinical failure is linked to increased MICs is debatable, because significantly higher concentrations (in most cases at least 1,000 × the MIC) of the antifungals that were included in our study are routinely used in formulated products.
Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy
Authors: Rancière Fanny , Clarisse Bénédicte , Nikasinovic Lydia , Just Jocelyne , Momas Isabelle 
Published: February 2012

To cite this article: Rancière F, Clarisse B, Nikasinovic L, Just J, Momas I. Cough and dyspnoea may discriminate allergic and infectious respiratory phenotypes in infancy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 367–375.AbstractAsthma symptoms are non‐specific during infancy, making the identification of different subgroups among preschool children with early respiratory manifestations an important challenge. We previously used a clustering approach to identify bronchial obstructive phenotypes in 1‐yr‐old infants from the Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study (PARIS) birth cohort. In the present study, we examined whether these phenotypes were stable at 3 yr and studied their comorbidity and risk factors. Partitioning around medoids (PAM) method was applied at 1 and 3 yr of age to cluster children according to wheezing, dry night cough, dyspnoea with sleep disturbance and breathlessness. The resulting groups were used to derive phenotypes in 2084 children during their first 3 yr of life. Analysis of associated comorbidity and risk factors was conducted using multinomial logistic regression. PAM groups were similarly defined at both ages so that two respiratory phenotypes were identified between birth and 3 yr: cough phenotype (CP) and dyspnoea phenotype (DP) including 14.1% and 30.7% of children, respectively. CP infants experienced more often allergic features than DP, dominated by respiratory infections. Parental history of allergy, potential allergen exposure and psychosocial factors were associated with CP. Day care centre attendance was more frequent in DP as well as exposure to domestic chemical pollution, suggesting a greater vulnerability to pathogens. Finally, dry night cough and dyspnoea disturbing the sleep appear to be markers of two respiratory profiles potentially allergic and infectious before 3 yr old.
Direct experimental evidence that early‐life farm environment influences regulation of immune responses
Authors: Lewis Marie C. , Inman Charlotte F. , Patel Dilip , Schmidt Bettina , Mulder Imke , Miller Bevis , Gill Bhupinder P. , Pluske John , Kelly Denise , Stokes Christopher R. , Bailey Michael 
Published: February 2012

To cite this article: Lewis MC, Inman CF, Patel D, Schmidt B, Mulder I, Miller B, Gill BP, Pluske J, Kelly D, Stokes CR, Bailey M. Direct experimental evidence that early‐life farm environment influences regulation of immune responses. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 265–269.AbstractBackground:  In mammals, early‐life environmental variations appear to affect microbial colonization and therefore competent immune development, and exposure to farm environments in infants has been inversely correlated with allergy development. Modelling these effects using manipulation of neonatal rodents is difficult due to their dependency on the mother, but the relatively independent piglet is increasingly identified as a valuable translational model for humans. This study was designed to correlate immune regulation in piglets with early‐life environment.Methods:  Piglets were nursed by their mother on a commercial farm, while isolator‐reared siblings were formula fed. Fluorescence immunohistology was used to quantify T‐reg and effector T‐cell populations in the intestinal lamina propria and the systemic response to food proteins was quantified by capture ELISA.Results:  There was more CD4+ and CD4+CD25+ effector T‐cell staining in the intestinal mucosa of the isolator‐reared piglets compared with their farm‐reared counterparts. In contrast, these isolator‐reared piglets had a significantly reduced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell population compared to farm‐reared littermates, resulting in a significantly higher T‐reg‐to‐effector ratio in the farm animals. Consistent with these findings, isolator‐reared piglets had an increased serum IgG anti‐soya response to novel dietary soya protein relative to farm‐reared piglets.Conclusion:  Here, we provide the first direct evidence, derived from intervention, that components of the early‐life environment present on farms profoundly affects both local development of regulatory components of the mucosal immune system and immune responses to food proteins at weaning. We propose that neonatal piglets provide a tractable model which allows maternal and treatment effects to be statistically separated.
Perspectives on immunomodulation early in life
Authors: Diesner Susanne C. , Förster‐Waldl Elisabeth , Olivera Ana , Pollak Arnold , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika , Untersmayr Eva 
Published: February 2012

To cite this article: Diesner SC, Förster‐Waldl E, Olivera A, Pollak A, Jensen‐Jarolim E, Untersmayr E. Perspectives on immunomodulation early in life. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 210–223.AbstractThe immune system early in life is characterized by immature activation and function of immune cells and a preponderance of Th2 cytokines. Together with other factors such as genetics and epigenetics, these immature immune responses might prone newborns susceptible to severe infections as well as allergic diseases. Immunomodulation therapy may have potential as therapeutic strategy against those disorders and might have implication in early‐life interventions in the future. In this review, we will focus on two immunomodulatory substance classes, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands and sphingolipids, which are the focus of extensive research to date. Both TLRs and sphingolipid receptors have a very distinct distribution pattern and function on immune cells. Therefore, they can potentially modulate and balance immune responses, which might be in particular beneficial for the immaturity of the immune response early in life.
Influence of model specifications on the reliabilities of genomic prediction in a Swedish–Finnish red breed cattle population
Authors: Rius‐Vilarrasa E. , Brøndum R.F. , Strandén I. , Guldbrandtsen B. , Strandberg E. , Lund M.S. , Fikse W.F. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryUsing a combined multi‐breed reference population, this study explored the influence of model specification and the effect of including a polygenic effect on the reliability of genomic breeding values (DGV and GEBV). The combined reference population consisted of 2986 Swedish Red Breed (SRB) and Finnish Ayrshire (FAY) dairy cattle. Bayesian methodology (common prior and mixture models with different prior distribution settings for the marker effects) as well as a best linear unbiased prediction with a genomic relationship matrix [genomic best linear unbiased predictor (GBLUP)] was used in the prediction of DGV. Mixture models including a polygenic effect were used to predict GEBV. In total, five traits with low, high and medium heritability were analysed. For the models using a mixture prior distribution, reliabilities of DGV tended to decrease with an increasing proportion of markers with small effects. The influence of the inclusion of a polygenic effect on the reliability of DGV varied across traits and model specifications. Average correlation between DGV with the Mendelian sampling term, across traits, was highest (R2 = 0.25) for the GBLUP model and decreased with increasing proportion of markers with large effects. Reliabilities increased when DGV and parent average information were combined in an index. The GBLUP model with the largest gain across traits in the reliability of the index achieved the highest DGV mean reliability. However, the polygenic models showed to be less biased and more consistent in the estimation of DGV regardless of the model specifications compared with the mixture models without the polygenic effect.
Leaf breakdown in an Atlantic Rain Forest stream
Authors: GONÇALVES JR JOSÉ F. , REZENDE RENAN S. , MARTINS NARLIANE M. , GREGÓRIO RENER S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe hypothesis of this study was that colonizers in decaying leaf litter prefer native species (Erythrina verna) to exotic ones (Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Protium heptaphyllum). Therefore, native species are expected to show higher breakdown rates, increased biomass, richness and density of invertebrate species, and increased biomass of decomposer fungi. Breakdown of leaf litter from these three species was assessed in an Atlantic Rain Forest stream. Four samples were collected during a period of 90 days and washed on a sieve to separate the invertebrates. Then, a series of leaf disks were cut to determine ash‐free dry mass and fungal biomass, and the remaining material was oven‐dried to determine the dry weight. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. verna showed higher breakdown rates than P. heptaphyllum, due to differences in leaf physical and chemical characteristics. The harder detritus (P. heptaphyllum) broke down more slowly than detritus with high concentrations of labile compounds (E. camaldulensis). The density of the invertebrates associated with detritus increased with time. There were no differences in density, taxonomic richness or biomass of invertebrates among the leaf types, which indicated that the invertebrates did not distinguish between exotic and native detritus. Fungal colonization varied among samples; E. camaldulensis showed the lowest ergosterol concentrations, mainly due to a high concentration of total phenolics. The detritus with the highest hardness value was colonized most slowly by fungi. These results showed that leaf breakdown in Atlantic Rain Forest streams could be affected either by changes in riparian vegetation, or by becoming more savanna‐like process due to climate change.
Speciation and dietary specialization in Drupa, a genus of predatory marine snails (Gastropoda: Muricidae)
Authors: Claremont Martine , Reid David G. , Williams Suzanne T. 
Published: February 2012

Claremont, M., Reid, D.G. & Williams, S.T. (2012) Speciation and dietary specialization in Drupa, a genus of predatory marine snails (Gastropoda: Muricidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 137–149.We test the competing predictions of allopatric speciation and of ecological speciation by dietary specialization in Drupa, an Indo‐Pacific genus of carnivorous marine gastropods in the family Muricidae. We use a well‐resolved molecular phylogeny (reconstructed from one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes) to show the validity of the traditional species D. elegans, D. rubusidaeus, D. clathrata, D. morum and D. speciosa.‘Drupa ricinus’ is shown to consist of three species: D. ricinus s. s., D. albolabris and a new species, possibly endemic to Japan. ‘Purpura’aperta is transferred to Drupa. Despite potential widespread dispersal and a high degree of range overlap among sister species, range sizes between sister species are highly asymmetric, suggesting that speciation has been predominately peripatric. The exception is the sister pair D. ricinus s. s. and D. albolabris, which have symmetric range sizes and are sympatric over broad Indo‐Pacific ranges. Such symmetry and extensive sympatry are contrary to the predictions of the (peripatric) allopatric model of speciation. Nevertheless, contrary to the predictions of an ecological speciation model based upon dietary specialization, broad dietary range appears to be identical between the species. Small differences in microhabitat preferences (or hypothetical dietary specialization at a fine taxonomic scale) may have been significant in the speciation process or, if initial divergence was allopatric, in permitting subsequent sympatry. Broad dietary shifts appear to have accompanied more ancient divergences within the genus Drupa.
A Polynomial Parametric Curve (PPC‐CURVE) for the Design of Horizontal Geometry of Highways
Authors: Bosurgi G. , D’Andrea A. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The use of transition curves in the road design is a solution to make the gradual evolution of curvature and, at the same time, to improve the comfort level of drivers and provide a good visual perception of the curve. Clothoid is the most widely used transition curve in road design so far, because it ensures the continuity of the curvature with the other geometric elements of the alignment.However, several researches allow the use of polynomial functions as an alternative to the clothoid. Such use is permitted in accordance with the verification of allowable vehicle–road dynamics.Polynomial solutions of transition curves can be a valuable alternative for the traditional solutions (first transition curve, circular arc, second transition curve).A fifth‐degree polynomial parametric curve (PPC‐curve) for the design of highway alignment is proposed in this article. An analysis of the theoretical aspects to solve more complex geometrical problems recurring in practical highway geometric design is carried out. With regard to this problem, a shape parameter giving flexibility to the polynomial solution in relation to project needs has also been introduced.To implement the procedure, an original computer program has been developed. Numerical applications have been performed for comparison with the traditional solutions.
Korean Children's Evaluation of Parental Restrictions Regarding Gender‐stereotypic Peer Activities
Authors: Park Yoonjung , Lee‐Kim Jennie , Killen Melanie , Park Kyoungja , Kim Jihyun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractKorean children's evaluations of parental restrictions of children's activities based on gender stereotypic expectations were investigated. Third and sixth grade Korean (N = 128) children evaluated scenarios in which a boy or girl desired to play ballet or soccer. Participants used stereotypes to support children's desires to play gender‐consistent activities and adhered to parental authority for choice of gender‐consistent social activities. Yet, they also rejected parental decisions to treat sons and daughters differently based on the view that it would be unfair. Stereotypic expectations decreased with age and were used more by boys than by girls when evaluating exclusion. The results are discussed in terms of exclusion, development, and culture.
Petitions: Different Dimensions of Voice and Influence in the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales
Authors: Bochel Catherine 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe creation of the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament not only saw a shift in responsibility and democratic accountability for many areas of policy, including significant areas of social policy, but also provided the opportunity for the Parliament and the Assembly to adopt ‘transformative reforms designed to expand the opportunities for citizens to connect with their governments’ (Carman 2006: 4). One such reform, which was associated with aims of increased access and openness, was the introduction of petitions systems in the new legislatures.Drawing on case studies from the devolved level, this article explores one of the less researched non‐traditional forms of participation to examine how and what petitions can contribute to social policy. In particular, it seeks to explore the extent to which petitions systems challenge or replicate existing inequalities; what voices and interests they enable to be heard; and what impact they can have on social policy and social policies.
Dynamic Optimal Pension Fund Portfolios when Risk Preferences Are Heterogeneous among Pension Participants
Authors: Honda Toshiki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of an optimal pension fund portfolio given the heterogeneous risk preferences of pension fund participants. The relative risk aversion of a pension fund tends to be a decreasing function of the level of aggregate wealth. We find that the dynamic optimal portfolio is simply characterized as the weighted sum of the optimal portfolio for each participant. Our model helps successfully establish the microfoundation of asset liability management models. A numerical example using recent Japanese data indicates the significant total welfare losses of adopting a suboptimal portfolio strategy and an inefficient risk‐sharing rule.
Selective Atrial Vagal Denervation Guided by Evoked Vagal Reflex to Treat Refractory Vasovagal Syncope
Authors: LIANG ZHAO , JIAYOU ZHANG , ZONGGUI WU , DENING LIAO 
Published: February 2012

A 57‐year‐old woman with refractory vasovagal syncope and a sinus pause of 6.8 seconds during tilt‐table test accepted the suggestion of atrial vagal denervation. Radiofrequency pulses were delivered on positive vagal reflex sites according to the standard of heart rate (HR) drop ≥20% after high frequency stimulation (HFS). The endpoint of inexistence of HR decrease at repeating HFS was achieved in 18 sites. No syncope attacked during 12 months and three tilt‐table tests performed at 1, 6, and 12 months were negative. Extensive ablation on atrial endocardium for vagal denervation is suggested to be efficient in cardioinhibition type of VVS.(PACE 2012;1–5)