bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional rickets and z scores for height in the United Arab Emirates: To D or not to D?
Authors: Rajah Jaishen , Jubeh Jamal A. , Haq Afrozul , Shalash Amani , Parsons Howard 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: Vitamin D deficiency is still prevalent worldwide, including the Middle East. A cohort of patients with nutritional rickets was treated with vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) alone. After this intervention, patients were followed to document changes in z scores for height after treatment. The secondary aim was to determine the proportion of affected children who had vitamin D deficiency or calcium deficiency.Methods: Z score for height was calculated as the difference between the observed value and the median value, divided by the SD of the population. Z scores were compared in patients before and after treatment.Results: The improvement in z score after treatment was 0.86 ± 0.95. The 95% confidence interval for the mean difference was 1.32–0.40 (t = 3.95, P < 0.001). With a diagnostic cut‐off for 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D) deficiency of <25 nmol/L, only half were diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency. The remaining patients had presumable calcium deficiency. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was negatively correlated to z scores, implying that higher ALP concentrations predicted severe bone disease (lower z scores). The variables 25D and age were moderately and positively correlated (Pearson’s r = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.15–0.84; P = 0.01), indicating that younger infants had the lowest 25D levels.Conclusion: Vitamin D alone was efficient in resolving radiological and biochemical disturbances as well as improving z scores for height in a cohort of children with nutritional rickets, which included patients with 25D deficiency as well as calcium deficiency. The results support the hypothesis of the interplay and continuum of 25D deficiency and calcium deficiency in the pathogenesis of rickets.
Wheezing illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus and other agents
Authors: Yasuno Tetsuya , Shimizu Tsunehiro , Maeda Yosuke , Yamasaki Atsuko , Amaya Eriko , Kawakatsu Hidekazu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other pathogenic agents cause lower respiratory infection with wheezing in infants (wheezing illness in infancy). Wheezing illness in infancy due to RSV can be life‐threatening and can induce recurrent wheezing; but these events can also be produced by infection by other pathogenic agents. Thus, whether RSV induces more severe wheezing illness in infancy remains poorly understood.Methods: Infants with an initial wheezing illness were divided into an RSV‐positive group and an RSV‐negative group and the differences in disease severity, intensity of acute symptoms, and susceptibility to recurrent wheezing, between these two groups, were investigated.Results: The RSV‐positive group accounted for 57.4% of the infants. The infants in the RSV‐positive group were significantly younger than those in the RSV‐negative group. Other background parameters, gender and family history, were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in indicators of severity (hospitalization periods, periods of persistent wheezing and requirement of oxygen supplementation) between the two groups.Conclusion: Wheezing illness in infancy caused by RSV is more common in younger infants, but it is not more severe than that caused by other pathogenic agents.
Internet survey of childhood asthma and use of inhaled therapy in the home in Japan
Authors: Yoshihara Shigemi , Yoshida Takami , Kurosaka Fumitake , Arisaka Osamu , Furusho Kenshi 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study is to undertake a survey of childhood asthma and details of the use of inhaled therapy from mothers with asthmatic children ≤15 years old, using the Internet.Methods: This study was done on a nationwide scale in Japan during the latter half of July 2001.Results: Responses were obtained from 748 mothers. Four hundred and three children (53.9%) had been diagnosed with asthma when ≤2 years old and 263 children (35.2%) when 2–5 years old. Three hundred and ninety‐seven children (53.1%) were in remission or had mild asthma, 295 children (39.4%) had moderate asthma, and 56 (7.5%) had severe asthma. Of 563 children who required some pharmacological treatment, 266 used inhaled therapy. One hundred and forty‐four children used metered‐dose inhaler (MDI), 136 used powered nebulizer, and 34 used dry powder inhaler (DPI). Of children treated with inhaled sodium cromoglycate, 63 used MDI, 129 used nebulizer solution and 23 used DPI. Of children treated with inhaled corticosteroids, 43 used MDI and six used DPI. Of children using powered nebulizer, 48 were well satisfied and 76 were slightly satisfied. More than 90% of mothers commented that this form of treatment improved the quality of life both of the asthmatic children and of the family.Conclusion: Internet survey of childhood asthma is effective, and powered nebulizer therapy may be encouraged more acceptable by infants and young children in the treatment of asthma.
Gillies Lecture: Dissecting glaucoma: understanding the molecular risk factors
Authors: Mackey David A 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWE Gillies was a major contributor to research in glaucoma, notably pseuodexfoliation (XFS), as well as strabismus, particularly in relation to axial length (AL). The latter work involved breaking down the geometry of the eye to its basic components and using the measured AL to tailor the amount of strabismus surgery required. Similarly, the search for glaucoma genes requires us to break down glaucoma into its component measures and associated risk factors. Over the last 14 years, our data from the Glaucoma Inheritance Study in Tasmania have shown the following: that a family history is present in 60% of glaucoma cases; that 27% of members of large glaucoma families were unaware of their family history of glaucoma; and that familial glaucoma is more severe than sporadic glaucoma. Myocilin mutations account for 3% of cases of primary open angle glaucoma. Some genotype–phenotype correlations have been identified. Notably, with respect to earlier age of onset, higher maximum recorded intraocular pressure and need for surgery, the Gln368Stop mutation confers mild risk, Thr377Met and Gly252Arg mutations intermediate risk, and the Pro370Leu mutation severe risk. To identify the other genes associated with glaucoma, we have examined normal twins in the Twins Eye Study to determine the heritability of parameters that are abnormal in glaucoma – intraocular pressure and cup‐to‐disc ratio and confounding factors for glaucoma such as central corneal thickness, disc area, refraction and AL. We have identified high heritabilities for all of these as well as a gene locus associated with AL on chromosome 5. Recently, the LOXL1 gene was associated with XFS. Identification of further genes will improve our understanding of glaucoma and allow cascade genetic screening.
Macular thickness and systemic markers for diabetes in individuals with no or mild diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Asefzadeh Baharak , Fisch Barry M , Parenteau Chad E , Cavallerano Anthony A 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  The relationship between diabetic risk factors and macular thickness in individuals without clinically detectable diabetic macular oedema has yet to be formally explored. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between macular thickness and diabetes control and duration.Methods:  This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study. All subjects underwent digital retinal imaging and Stratus OCT macular thickness scanning both eyes. Mean retinal thickness was determined for quadrants, rings, hemispheres, and for the central fovea (CFT), total fovea (TFT) and total macula (TMT).Results:  We evaluated 92 non‐diabetic controls, 92 diabetic subjects with no diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 24 subjects with mild DR at the Veteran's Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA. In subjects with diabetes, there was a significant negative correlation between retinal thickness and diabetes duration in all macular quadrants, rings and hemispheres, and for CFT, TFT and TMT (CFT: P = 0.0025, r = −0.28; TFT: P = 0.0062, r = −0.25; TMT: P = 0.0026, r = −0.28). There was no significant relationship between retinal thickness and HbA1c level (average of last three readings), systolic or diastolic blood pressure, or triglyceride levels. Additionally, no significant differences in retinal thickness were found between controls, subjects with no DR and subjects with mild DR.Conclusions:  In subjects with no or mild DR, macular and foveal thickness is significantly thinner with longer duration of disease. This may reflect neurodegenerative changes in the diabetic retina.
Osteolipoma of the eyelid
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Sanjiv , Kulshrestha Ritu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA 50‐year‐old woman presented with a nodular swelling on her right upper eyelid. The tumour was diagnosed as osteolipoma histologically after resection. Osteolipoma is a very rare variant of lipoma and only a few cases affecting the head and neck are reported in literature. To the best of the author's knowledge this is the first reported case of osteolipoma of the eyelid.
Lung metastases in a case of metatypical basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid: an illustrative case and literature review to heighten vigilance of its metastatic potential
Authors: Cunneen Thomas S , Yong Jim L , Benger Ross 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an extremely common malignancy; however, unlike other skin cancers, they very rarely metastasize. Here we present an unusual case of metatypical BCC of the eyelid which metastasized to the lung nine years after initial surgical treatment. We include a review of the literature regarding metastatic BCC and suggest that metatypical features in primary BCC should prompt careful patient monitoring and consideration of adjuvant treatment at the time of diagnosis.
Chondrocranium and skeletal development of Phrynops hilarii (Pleurodira: Chelidae)
Authors: Bona Paula , Alcalde Leandro 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe present study represents the first comprehensive contribution to the knowledge of the skeletal development of a pleurodiran turtle, Phrynops hilarii (Pleurodira, Chelidae). The most remarkable features found are: (1) absence of ascending process on pterygoquadrate cartilage; (2) presence of ossification centres for the epiotics; (3) as in other pleurodirans, dorsal ribs IX and X are ‘sacralized’; (4) contact between ilium and carapace occurs later in ontogenetic development; (5) suture between ischia, pubes and plastron occurs in posthatching specimens; (6) contrary to previous interpretations, the phalangeal formula of the pes of P. hilarii is 2 : 3 : 3 : 3 : 5; (7) the hooked bone represents the fifth metatarsal.
Down‐regulation of GhADF1 gene expression affects cotton fibre properties
Authors: Wang Hai‐Yun , Wang Juan , Gao Peng , Jiao Gai‐Li , Zhao Pi‐Ming , Li Yan , Wang Gui‐Ling , Xia Gui‐Xian 
Published: August 2008

SummaryCotton fibre is the most important natural fibres for textile industry. To date, the mechanism that governs the development of fibre traits is largely unknown. In this study, we have characterized the function of a member of the actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) family in Gossypium hirsutum by down‐regulation of the gene (designated as GhADF1) expression in the transgenic cotton plants. We observed that both the fibre length and strength of the GhADF1‐underexpressing plants increased as compared to the wild‐type fibre, and transgenic fibres contained more abundant F‐actin filaments in the cortical region of the cells. Moreover, the secondary cell wall of the transgenic fibre appeared thicker and the cellulose content was higher than that of the control fibre. Our results suggest that organization of actin cytoskeleton regulated by actin‐associated proteins such as GhADF1 plays a critical role in the processes of elongation and secondary cell wall formation during fibre development. Additionally, our study provided a candidate intrinsic gene for the improvement of fibre traits via genetic engineering.
Use and performances of Web‐based portfolio assessment
Authors: Chang Chi‐Cheng , Tseng Kuo‐Hung 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis research explored the influence of a Web‐based portfolio assessment system on students' performances. The methodological procedure adopted was to have the experimental group use the system, with the control group using conventional assessment. The study subjects were junior high school students of two computer classes. The experimental results revealed that the use of the system has significant positive influence on students' performances. According to estimated effect size, the most significant indicators were reflection, self‐assessment, continuous improvement, goal setting, problem solving, data gathering, work and peer interaction. However, peer‐assessment performance was not enhanced significantly. Therefore, one recommendation was to reduce peer‐assessment and instead offer specific illustrations to the students as well as the opportunity to drill.
A measure of the effectiveness of incorporating 3D human anatomy into an online undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Hilbelink Amy J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractResults of a study designed to determine the effectiveness of implementing three‐dimensional (3D) stereo images of a human skull in an undergraduate human anatomy online laboratory were gathered and analysed. Mental model theory and its applications to 3D relationships are discussed along with the research results. Quantitative results on 62 pairs were analysed using a doubly‐multivariate analysis of variance repeated measures design. Results revealed statistically significant differences in group means for the main effect of treatment groups 2D and 3D and for the variables of Identification and Relationship with the 3D group outperforming the 2D group on both dependent variables.
Brain atrophy as a marker of cognitive impairment in mildly disabling relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sánchez M. P. , Nieto A. , Barroso J. , Martín V. , Hernández M. A. 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:  We have studied the relationship between neuropsychological impairment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in mildly disabling relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).Methods:  We compared measures of lesion burden and atrophy in 52 patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤ 3.0. Neuropsychological testing explored various cognitive domains: attention and processing speed (APS), verbal and visual memory (VerbM; VisM), visual/constructional processes (VC), executive functions and motor programming/coordination. Specific and global index scores were derived to classify patients as deteriorated or not deteriorated by comparing their performance with 51 matched normal control subjects. Brain MRI analysis included proton density (PD)‐lesion volume and T1‐hypointensity volume, measures of central atrophy, including the third ventricle width, and corpus callosum (CC).Results:  Patients with either APS, MCP or Verbal Learning impairments had a higher ventricular atrophy than unimpaired. The atrophy of the CC was only associated to VisM dysfunction. Patients with VisM deficits had higher lesion load on PD images. After controlling for age and education a higher third ventricle width was the best predictor for global and specific cognitive impairment.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that cognitive impairment in RR patients with mild disease is better explained by atrophic changes than by total lesion load.
Concordance and heritability of multiple sclerosis in Finland: study on a nationwide series of twins
Authors: Kuusisto H. , Kaprio J. , Kinnunen E. , Luukkaala T. , Koskenvuo M. , Elovaara I. 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the changes in the multiple sclerosis (MS) concordance in twins, and the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the aetiology of MS in Finland.Background:  Both genes and the environment contribute to the development of MS. A well‐conducted twin study is an excellent means to assess the relative contribution of heritability and environmental factors.Methods:  Multiple sclerosis concordance was assessed for 10 Monozygotic and 14 dizygotic twin pairs using pairwise and probandwise concordance rates. The tetrachoric correlations in liability to disease for twin pairs were computed and a polygenic multifactorial model was used to estimate heritability.Results:  The pairwise concordance for MZ twins was 30% and for the DZ twins 14.3%, compared with 30% for MZ and 0% for DZ 20 years ago. The corresponding probandwise concordance rates were 46.2% and 25%. The genetic variance (heritability) was 15.3% (95% Cl 0.0–77.6), the common environmental variance 73.7% (95% Cl 14.1–93.9) and the unique environmental variance 11.1% (95% Cl 2.3–30.0).Conclusions:  As the concordance of MS in DZ twins has increased during the past two decades and the heritability estimate is low, it seems that the reported increase in MS incidence in Finland is mainly caused by environmental factors.
From banger to classic – a model for sustainable car consumption?
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Paul 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCars are the most complex of consumer durables, yet they are not as durable as one may expect. Each year, millions of cars are scrapped, many still roadworthy or easily repairable. As with other consumer durables, consumers increasingly lose their emotional attachment with their old car in favour of a younger model. Is it possible to remedy this failure of consumer–product relationships in the interest of greater product durability and hence greater environmental sustainability? This paper explores this question in the context of the classic car market and suggests there may be some lessons there that could lead to a more sustainable new car consumption culture.
Mutation in aging mice occurs in diverse cell types that proliferate postmutation
Authors: Fischer Jared M. , Stringer James R. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryTo determine the relationship between aging, cell proliferation and mutation in different cell types, hearts, brains and kidneys from G11 PLAP mice between 1 week and 24 months of age were examined. Mutant cells were detected in tissue sections by staining for Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) activity, an activity that marks cells that have sustained a frameshift mutation in a mononucleotide tract inserted into the coding region of the human gene encoding PLAP. The number of PLAP+ cells increased with age in all three tissues. The types of cells exhibiting a mutant phenotype included cells that are proliferative, such as kidney epithelial cells, and cells that do not frequently replicate, such as cardiac muscle cells and neurons. In the brain, PLAP+ cells appeared in various locations and occurred at similar frequencies in different regions. Within the cerebellum, PLAP+ Purkinje cell neurons appeared at a rate similar to that seen in the brain as a whole. PLAP+ cells were observed in kidney‐specific cell types such as those in glomeruli and collecting tubules, as well as in connective tissue and blood vessels. In the heart, PLAP+ cells appeared to be cardiac muscle cells. Regardless of tissue and cell type, PLAP+ cells occurred as singletons and in clusters, both of which increased in frequency with age. These data show that age‐associated accumulation of mutant cells occurs in diverse cell types and is due to both new mutation and proliferation of mutant cells, even in cell types that tend to not proliferate.
Partial melting of metagreywacke: a calculated mineral equilibria study
Authors: JOHNSON T. E. , WHITE R.W. , POWELL R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractGreywacke occurs in most regionally metamorphosed orogenic terranes, with depositional ages from Archean to recent. It is commonly the dominant siliciclastic rock type, many times more abundant than pelite. Using calculated pseudosections in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O system, the partial melting of metagreywacke is investigated using several natural protolith compositions that reflect the main observed compositional variations. At conditions appropriate for regional metamorphism at mid‐crustal depths (6–8 kbar), high‐Tsubsolidus assemblages are dominated by quartz, plagioclase and biotite with minor garnet, orthoamphibole, sillimanite, muscovite and/or K‐feldspar (±Fe–Ti oxides). Modelled solidus temperatures are dependent on bulk composition and vary from 640 to 690 °C. Assuming minimal melting at the H2O‐saturated solidus, initial prograde anatexis at temperatures up to ∼800 °C is characterized by very low melt productivity. Significant melt production in commonly occurring (intermediate) metagreywacke compositions is controlled by the breakdown of biotite and production of orthopyroxene (±K‐feldspar) across multivariant fields until biotite is exhausted at 850–900 °C. Assuming some melt is retained in the source, then at temperatures beyond that of biotite stability, melt production occurs via the consumption of plagioclase, quartz and any remaining K‐feldspar as the melt becomes progressively more Ca‐rich and H2O‐undersaturated. Melt productivity with increasing temperature across the melting interval in metagreywacke is generally gradational when compared to metapelite, which is characterized by more step‐like melt production. Comparison of the calculated phase relations with experimental data shows good consistency once the latter are considered in terms of the variance of the equilibria involved. Calculations on the presumed protolith compositions of residual granulite facies metagreywacke from the Archean Ashuanipi subprovince (Quebec) show good agreement with observed phase relations. The degree of melt production and subsequent melt loss is consistent with the previously inferred petrogenesis based on geochemical mass balance. The results show that, for temperatures above 850 °C, metagreywacke is sufficiently fertile to produce large volumes of melt, the separation from source and ascent of which may result in large‐scale crustal differentiation if metagreywacke is abundant.
The association between central nervous system (CNS) infections and epilepsy: Epidemiological approaches and microbiological and epileptological perspectives
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Prabhakar Sudesh 
Published: August 2008

Summary The causal association between central nervous system (CNS) infections and epilepsy is predictable but poorly documented due to constraints in epidemiological, epileptological, and microbiologic methods. The large number of CNS infections with varied geographic distributions means that epidemiological studies in many different regions are required in order to establish their association with epilepsy. Whenever infectious diseases occur in the community, the majority of the infected cases are either asymptomatic or develop only mild symptoms. Those with neurological involvement and hence at risk of developing epilepsy constitute the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, there is no one‐to‐one relationship between surrogate markers of infection used in epidemiological studies (e.g., seropositivity or brain imaging abnormalities) and neurological involvement (and hence epilepsy). As a result, there are individuals in the community who have no neurological symptoms but may either be seropositive or demonstrate imaging abnormalities compatible with the neurological infectious disorder and conversely, those who have seizures (or epilepsy) but may be seronegative. Relevant to the epidemiological study of seizures and epilepsy in relation to CNS infections is the classification of seizures as provoked and unprovoked. Accordingly, seizures that occur during the active stage of infection are considered provoked and those that occur later are unprovoked. Finally, with the burden of infections being concentrated in the less‐developed countries, epidemiological studies are required to be carried out in these locations, which present logistic, financial and technical barriers for them to be accomplished.