bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of serial serum major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related A measurements with hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients after viral eradication
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Wang Shu‐Chi , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Ching‐I , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chen Angela , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimMajor histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related A (MICA) genetic variants and their serum levels (sMICA) were associated with the development of hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in untreated cohorts. The dynamic changes in serial sMICA levels and their association with HCC in the post‐curative status are elusive.MethodsSingle nucleotide polymorphism rs2596542 of MICA and serial sMICA levels were analyzed in chronic hepatitis C patients with a sustained virologic response after antivirals. Forty‐two patients who developed HCC and 84 age‐matched, gender‐matched, and cirrhosis propensity score‐matched non‐HCC controls were compared. Serial sMICA levels were measured within 6 months before treatment initiation (pre‐sMICA), 6 months after the end of treatment (post‐sMICA), and on the last visit before the development (or not) of HCC (last‐sMICA).ResultsCox regression analysis revealed that last‐sMICA was the only predictive factor of HCC development (hazard ratio/95% confidence interval: 2.27 (per 1 log pg/mL increase)/1.672–3.082, P < 0.001). Patients without HCC development showed a significantly reduced trend of sMICA levels during follow‐up (trend P = 0.001), which was observed only in GG genotype (trend P < 0.001) but not A allele carriers (P = 0.88). In contrast, patients with HCC showed an increased trend of sMICA levels (trend P = 0.024). However, only the GG genotype “high expressors” (trend P = 0.06) but not A allele carriers (P = 0.18) showed a correlation of substantially increased trend of sMICA levels and HCC development.ConclusionsSerial sMICA levels were associated with HCC development in SVR patients. The clinical utility of this finding is restricted to MICA rs2596542 GG genotype carriers.
The Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire: Development, Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Authors: Yohannes Abebaw M. , Roomi Jamal , Winn Sarah , Connolly Martin J. 
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVESBecause there is no respiratory‐specific activities of daily living (ADL) scale for use in older patients, our aim was to design and develop the Manchester Respiratory ADL questionnaire (MRADL) and to assess its validity in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DESIGNThe MRADL is a composite of the most discriminative questions from the Nottingham Extended ADL Questionnaire (NEADL) and the Breathing Problems Questionnaire (BPQ).SETIINGA University teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTSParticipants were 188 (104 men) COPD out‐patients aged 60 to 93 (mean 77) years and 55 (23 men) normal controls (NCs) aged 70 to 90 (mean 78) years. Exclusions were confusion and acute respiratory exacerbation/use of oral corticosteroid within 6 weeks.INTERVENTIONA subgroup of COPD subjects completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PR) to assess responsiveness of the MRADL to intervention.MEASUREMENTSAll subjects completed MRADL and NEADL scales, and 15 COPD subjects (11 men) completed an 8‐week PR program.RESULTSMean (SE) 1‐second forced expiratory volume (FEV 1) in COPD subjects was 0.94 (0.03) liters, and in NCs it was 1.96 (0.07) liters. MRADL discriminated better between COPDs and NCs than did the NEADL in terms of sensitivity (90% vs 76%; X2 = 4.8, P = .02) and negative predictive value (84% vs 69%; X2 = 4.5, P = .03). MRADL responded to changes during PR: pre versus post mean (SE) score 11.2 (1.1) vs 13.4 (1.1); (t = 3.09; P = .008), but NEADL was unchanged. MRADL showed high consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.91). 95% confidence limits of repeatability were −0.63 to +0.26 (P = .42) for MRADL and −0.53 to +0.26 (P = .50) for NEADL.CONCLUSIONSMRADL is a reliable and valid self‐report scale for assessment of physical disability in older COPD patients. It is responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation.
Preliminary Report from the Kansas Hartford Geriatrics Project: A Model of Community University Collaboration in Geriatric Medicine Faculty Development
Authors: Swagerty Daniel , Walling Anne , Studenski Stephanie 
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVESThis paper describes the development, implementation, and participant satisfaction of a faculty development program for community‐based clinician educators with competencies in geriatric medicine.DESIGNOne group, ongoing trial.SETTINGUniversity of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas.PARTICIPANTSFamily physicians and general internists from throughout the state of Kansas (n = 30).INTERVENTIONThis is an integrated faculty development curriculum of clinical geriatrics and educational process offered in nine sessions over 3 years.MEASUREMENTSProject retention, session attendance, and participant satisfaction are the measures of program success.MAIN RESULTSProject retention at 18 months, the midpoint of this project, has been 87%, with 91% of the retained participants attending all of the sessions to date. More than 95% of the participants have rated each of the first five sessions as highly satisfactory or excellent in meeting their needs as a clinician educator. Satisfaction for on‐site and interactive televideo participation has been equally high.CONCLUSIONSOur preliminary results indicate the Kansas Hartford Geriatrics Project model of community‐university collaboration in geriatric faculty development is successful in recruitment and satisfaction of participants. The curriculum is highly attractive and rewarding to faculty. Interactive televideo provides a successful innovation in aging‐oriented faculty development.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Exercise to Improve Outcomes of Acute Hospitalization in Older Adults
Authors: Siebens Hilary , Aronow Harriet , Edwards Diane , Ghasemi Zahra 
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVEOlder adults hospitalized for nondisabling diagnoses can lose functional ability. Lack of exercise or physical activity during the acute illness and recovery may be contributory. This study evaluated whether increased exercise in hospital and afterward would shorten length of stay and improve physical function at 1 month.DESIGNA randomized controlled trial.SETTINGA 700‐bed community‐based hospital with academic and teaching programs.PARTICIPANTSThree hundred patients (mean age 78.2 years ± 5.6) with nondisabling medical and surgical diagnoses who were admitted to an acute care hospital between December 1990 and April 1992. All patients had an expected length of stay 5 or more days, were ambulatory before admission, and were not expected to die within 12 months.INTERVENTIONA hospital‐based general exercise program was administered to intervention patients along with encouragement to continue the program, self‐administered, at home.MEASUREMENTSThe primary outcome was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes at 1 month post‐discharge included measures of physical function and other general health indicators.RESULTSThere was no significant difference in length of stay between treatment and control groups controlling for baseline characteristics and diagnoses. The intervention was associated with better function in instrumental activities of daily living (β = .433 (95% CI, 0.044–0.842)) at 1 month but no change in perceived general health status and other measures of physical function.CONCLUSIONSAn exercise program started during hospitalization and continued for 1 month did not shorten length of stay but did improve functional outcome at 1 month.
Inflation and Innovation in a Schumpeterian Economy with North–South Technology Transfer
Authors: CHU ANGUS C. , COZZI GUIDO , FURUKAWA YUICHI , LIAO CHIH‐HSING 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study analyzes how inflation affects innovation and international technology transfer via cash‐in‐advance constraints on R&D. We consider a North–South quality‐ladder model that features innovative Northern R&D and adaptive Southern R&D. We find that higher Southern inflation causes a permanent decrease in technology transfer, a permanent increase in the North–South wage gap, and a temporary decrease in the Northern innovation rate. Higher Northern inflation causes a temporary decrease in the Northern innovation rate, a permanent decrease in the North–South wage gap, and ambiguous effects on technology transfer. Finally, we calibrate the model to China–U.S. data to perform a quantitative analysis.
Nonlinear mixed models of growth curves from domestic shorthair cats in a breeding colony, housed in a seasonal facility to predict obesity
Authors: Cave Nick John , Bridges Janis P. , Weidgraaf Karin , Thomas David Granville 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObesity is highly prevalent in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) and is associated with several comorbidities, yet very little is understood about the early life risk factors. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model that describes growth in cats, to determine which early life variables were associated with being overweight in adulthood and to identify when during life the overweight phenotype developed in a colony of cats. We used pedigree, birth and growth data of 212 colony cats that were fed ad libitum from weaning. A nonlinear mixed‐effects model was fitted to the body weight data to describe growth curves. A subset of 146 cats that had reached 9 years of age was used to evaluate the body weight curves to 9 years, and candidate early life predictors of peak weight were evaluated using logistic regression. In contrast with other species, candidates such as maternal factors, birth weight and litter size were not significant risk factors for adult obesity. Male sex, body weight around 15 weeks of age and being born during the increasing photoperiod were significantly associated with being overweight at 9 years. The growth equation created can be used to predict peak body weight, when sex and season of birth are included. Thus, the trajectory to obesity is determined early in life in cats, and early intervention appears essential to prevent obesity in pet cats.
Enforcing Christian Nationalism: Examining the Link Between Group Identity and Punitive Attitudes in the United States
Authors: Davis Joshua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis article examines whether the convergence of an individual's religious and national identities promotes authoritarian attitudes towards crime and deviance. Drawing on theories of social control and group conformity, as well as Christian nationalism's influence on intolerance toward out‐groups, I argue that the inability to distinguish between religious and national identities increases desire for group homogeneity and therefore increases willingness to utilize formalized measures of social control. Analysis of 2007 Baylor Religion Survey data demonstrates that adherence to Christian nationalism predicts three indicators of authoritarian views toward controlling crime and deviance: support for capital punishment, stricter punishment for federal crime, and for society to “crackdown on troublemakers.” These effects are robust to the inclusion of a comprehensive battery of 20 socioeconomic, political, and religious controls, and are consistent with previous research on Christian nationalism showing it is not religious commitment or traditionalism per se that leads to intolerant attitudes, but rather the conflation of one's religious identity with other social identities, in this case national. These findings indicate that, beyond sociopolitical and religious influences, the belief that the United States is, and should be, a “Christian nation” increases desires for group conformity and strict control for both criminals and “troublemakers.”
Circulating levels of 3‐hydroxymyristate, a direct quantification of endotoxaemia in noninfected cirrhotic patients
Authors: Weil Delphine , Pais de Barros Jean‐Paul , Mourey Guillaume , Laheurte Caroline , Cypriani Benoit , Badet Nicolas , Delabrousse Eric , Grandclément Emilie , Di Martino Vincent , Saas Philippe , Lagrost Laurent , Thévenot Thierry 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThe quantification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in biological fluids is challenging. We aimed to measure plasma LPS concentration using a new method of direct quantification of 3‐hydroxymyristate (3‐HM), a lipid component of LPS, and to evaluate correlations between 3‐HM and markers of liver function, endothelial activation, portal hypertension and enterocyte damage.MethodsPlasma from 90 noninfected cirrhotic patients (30 Child‐Pugh [CP]‐A, 30 CP‐B, 30 CP‐C) was prospectively collected. The concentration of 3‐HM was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.Results3‐HM levels were higher in CP‐C patients (CP‐A/CP‐B/CP‐C: 68/70/103 ng/mL, P = 0.005). Patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (n = 16; 113 vs 74 ng/mL, P = 0.012), diabetic patients (n = 22; 99 vs 70 ng/mL, P = 0.028) and those not receiving beta blockers (n = 44; 98 vs 72 ng/mL, P = 0.034) had higher levels of 3‐HM. We observed a trend towards higher baseline levels of 3‐HM in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (n = 7; 144 vs 76 ng/mL, P = 0.45) or SIRS (n = 10; 106 vs 75 ng/mL, P = 0.114). In multivariate analysis, high levels of 3‐HM were associated with CP (OR = 4.39; 95%CI = 1.79‐10.76) or MELD (OR = 8.24; 95%CI = 3.19‐21.32) scores. Patients dying from liver insufficiency (n = 6) during a 12‐month follow‐up had higher baseline levels of 3‐HM (106 vs 75 ng/mL, P = 0.089).ConclusionsIn noninfected cirrhotic patients, 3‐HM arises more frequently with impairment of liver function, heavy alcohol consumption, diabetic status, nonuse of beta blockers and a trend towards poorer outcome is also observed. The direct mass measurement of LPS using 3‐HM appears reliable to detect transient endotoxaemia and promising to manage the follow‐up of cirrhotic patients.
Body image concerns in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A scoping review
Authors: Frydensberg Vivi S. , Skovbakke Søren J. , Pedersen Susanne S. , Kok Robin N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) retain a scar and a bump at the site of implant. This may lead to body image concerns (BICs) that influence patients’ quality of life. Few studies have examined the prevalence and impact of BICs postimplant, prompting us to conduct a scoping review of the field.MethodsWe searched the Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cinahl databases in August 2016 and repeated in May 2017. Included were studies reporting on patients ≥ 18 years, an ICD implant (transvenous, subcutaneous, or ICD with cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT‐D]), reporting on BICs, and published in peer‐reviewed English‐language journals. We excluded nonsystematic reviews, opinion pieces/letters, case studies, conference abstracts, PhD dissertations, protocol papers, studies of ICD shock treatment of atrial fibrillation, and of abdominally or submammary implanted ICDs.ResultsA total of 40 articles were included: 16 qualitative and 24 quantitative. None of the included studies had BICs as their primary endpoint. Results showed that BICs are present in various degrees in the ICD population and can be attributed to the visibility of the ICD (the scar and bump). Women and younger patients had greater problems with BICs, although men also had concerns. Two items of the “Florida Patient Acceptance Survey” were the most frequently used to assess BICs.ConclusionBICs were present among ICD patients, but the degree of impact on their lives varied. There is a need for developing a BICs questionnaire to examine the prevalence of BICs and the potential impact on patients’ lives in longitudinal studies.
Proportionate growth of congenital nevi: Blow a balloon to explain
Authors: Inamadar Arun C. , Palit Aparna 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAny form of congenital nevus in a child is a cause of parental anxiety. Parents are often worried about the future course of the lesion. Some of these lesions grow in extent with the child's growth and involve other body areas; others grow proportionate to the involved body part, giving an impression of apparent growth of the lesion. We use an illustrative “blowing a balloon” technique to explain the apparent growth pattern of some congenital nevi.
Childhood atopic dermatitis—An Indian perspective
Authors: Sarkar Rashmi , Narang Isha 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDeveloping countries such as India can offer unique perspectives on and contributions to knowledge of and the literature on atopic dermatitis, including information on epidemiology, the role of environmental factors, clinical features, and treatment strategies in resource‐poor settings using indigenous methodologies. This report will help in understanding atopic dermatitis in the Indian diaspora as well.
High‐risk human papillomavirus in a child with digital pigmented Bowen's disease: Case report and dermoscopic findings
Authors: Hudson Andrew , Mir Adnan , Carroll Bryan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSquamous cell carcinoma in situ, also known as Bowen's disease (BD), is a skin malignancy most commonly seen in middle‐aged and elderly adults. Pediatric BD is rare and can be a diagnostic challenge for physicians. Digital BD has largely been associated with human papilloma virus. We report an immunocompetent 11‐year‐old girl with periungual pigmented BD induced by high‐risk human papilloma virus.
Effectiveness of neurofeedback versus medication for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sudnawa Khemika Khemakanok , Chirdkiatgumchai Vilawan , Ruangdaraganon Nichara , Khongkhatithum Chaiyos , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Jirayucharoensak Suwicha , Israsena Pasin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundNeurofeedback (NF) is an operant conditioning procedure that trains participants to self‐regulate brain activity. NF is a promising treatment for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but there have been only a few randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of NF with medication with various NF protocols. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of unipolar electrode NF using theta/beta protocol compared with methylphenidate (MPH) for ADHD.MethodsChildren with newly diagnosed ADHD were randomly organized into NF and MPH groups. The NF group received 30 sessions of NF. Children in the MPH group were prescribed MPH for 12 weeks. Vanderbilt ADHD rating scales were completed by parents and teachers to evaluate ADHD symptoms before and after treatment. Student's t‐test and Cohen's d were used to compare symptoms between groups and evaluate the effect size (ES) of each treatment, respectively.ResultsForty children participated in the study. No differences in ADHD baseline symptoms were found between groups. After treatment, teachers reported significantly lower ADHD symptoms in the MPH group (P = 0.01), but there were no differences between groups on parent report (P = 0.55). MPH had a large ES (Cohen's d, 1.30–1.69), while NF had a moderate ES (Cohen's d, 0.49–0.68) for treatment of ADHD symptoms.ConclusionNeurofeedback is a promising alternative treatment for ADHD in children who do not respond to or experience significant adverse effects from ADHD medication.
Do cacti form soil seed banks? An evaluation using species from the Southern Central Andes
Authors: Lindow‐López L. , Galíndez G. , Sühring S. , Pastrana‐Ignes V. , Gorostiague P. , Gutiérrez A. , Ortega‐Baes P. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

There is controversy over whether cactus species form soil seed banks. Although it is commonly assumed that cacti do not form seed banks, very few studies have evaluated them. In this work, we analysed whether cactus species form soil seed banks, studying seed distribution, seed density and seed longevity in the Southern Central Andes.

Soil samples were collected in two microhabitats (under nurse plants and in bare areas) at 12 selected sites. We determined seed presence–absence, density and distribution for 32 native cactus species. Seed longevity for six of these species was determined through a burial experiment.

We recorded viable seeds for 62.5% of the 32 evaluated species, finding variation in seed density between microenvironments and among populations. In some species, the highest seed density was found under potential nurse plants. Seed germination and seed viability decreased with burial time, with seed longevity always being <24 months after burial.

Our results show strong evidence that cactus species do form seed banks. Seed density can vary between microenvironments and among populations, suggesting that cactus–nurse plant associations can also be explained by differential seed dispersal and not only by differential establishment. We found that Echinopsis and Gymnocalycium species form short‐term seed banks. Our results will help to better understand the population dynamics of cactus species, a focal species group for conservation actions because many of them are threatened by human activities.
Regeneration of a keystone semiarid shrub over its range in Spain: habitat degradation overrides the positive effects of plant–animal mutualisms
Authors: Rey P. J. , Cancio I. , Manzaneda A. J. , González‐Robles A. , Valera F. , Salido T. , Alcántara J. M. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Global change drivers are currently affecting semiarid ecosystems. Because these ecosystems differ from others in biotic and abiotic filters, cues for plant regeneration and management derived from elsewhere may not be applicable to semiarid ecosystems. We sought to determine the extent to which regional variation in regeneration prospects of a long‐lived semiarid keystone shrub depends on anthropogenic habitat degradation, plant–animal interactions and climate determinants.

We investigated the regeneration ability (via population size structure, juvenile density and juvenile/adult ratio), fruit set and seed dispersal of Ziziphus lotus in 25 localities spanning the range of its threatened habitats in Spain. We dissected the relative contribution of different regeneration determinants using multiple regression and structural equation modelling.

Population regeneration was extremely poor, and size structures were biased towards large classes and low juvenile densities and juvenile/adult ratios. Poor regeneration was often coincident with seed dispersal collapse. However, the positive effect of seed dispersal on population regeneration disappeared after considering its relationship with habitat degradation. Protected areas did have juveniles. Together, these data suggest that habitat degradation directly impacts juvenile establishment.

Our results provide insights into habitat and species management at the regional level. Z. lotus populations are currently driven by persistence‐based dynamics through the longevity of the species. Nonetheless, collapsed seed dispersal, poor regeneration and the removal of adults from their habitats forecast extinction of Z. lotus in many remnants. The extreme longevity of Z. lotus provides opportunities for recovery of its populations and habitats through effective enforcement of regulations.