bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics of Patients in Their 40s With HCV Antibody‐Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shimauchi Yoshihiro , Tanaka Masatoshi , Koga Kenshi , Itano Satoshi , Ishii Kunihide , Kumashiro Ryukichi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Sata Michio 
Published: November 2018

Background: We investigated the clinical characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who developed HCC at a relatively young age.Methods: Clinical characteristics of patients in their 40s were investigated and were compared with those of patients 50 years and older. The subjects were 648 HCC patients, 469 men (72%) and 179 women (28%), who were treated at our hospital between 1991 and 1997.Results: No patient was under 40 years of age. Eighteen patients (3%) were in their 40s, 137 patients (21%) were in their 50s, 338 patients (52%) were in their 60s, 143 patients (22%) were in their 70s, and 12 patients (2%) were in their 80s. Fifteen of the patients (83%) in their 40s were male. The proportion of men in their 40s was higher than that of all men. Eight of the 15 men in their 40s (53%) were heavy drinkers, and 2 (14%) were habitual drinkers. Three of the 15 men (20%) were HBV carriers, and these 3 HBV carriers were not drinkers. The proportion of heavy drinkers and HBV carriers was significantly higher among the patients in their 40s than in the 60 patients randomly sampled from the patients 50 years of age and older. The mean ages of male patients with HCC who were heavy drinkers, habitual drinkers, occasional drinkers, or nondrinkers were 52.3, 58.9, 62.0, and 61.7 years, respectively. HCC occurred significantly earlier in heavy drinkers than in the other 3 groups. We compared laboratory data of the patients in their 40s with data of all of the patients of 50 years and older. Serum total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and platelet counts were significantly worse in the patients in their 40s.Conclusions: Logistic regression analysis revealed that heavy drinking and presence of HBV infection were independently related to HCV antibody‐positive HCC development at a younger age.
Infiltrating Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Apoptotic Bodies Derived From Hepatocytes but Not From Ballooning Hepatocytes Containing Mallory Bodies Show Nuclear DNA Fragmentation in Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Takahashi Toru , So‐Wan Tan , Kamimura Tomoteru , Asakura Hitoshi 
Published: November 2018

Background: The mechanism of liver cell death in alcoholic hepatitis is still controversial. There is evidence that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) which infiltrate liver parenchyma are involved in liver cell death.Methods: We employed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphatedigoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method to determine the cells that underwent apoptosis in liver specimens obtained from 1 normal liver, 23 livers with nonalcoholic liver disease, and 11 livers with alcoholic liver diseases (4 alcoholic hepatic fibrosis, 4 alcoholic hepatitis, and 3 alcoholic cirrhosis). The Fas, bcl‐2, and CD15 antigens were immunolocalized to analyze the relationship between these antigens and apoptosis.Results: Few TUNEL‐positive reactions were found in normal liver. Apoptotic bodies in acute and chronic viral hepatitis were found to be TUNEL‐positive. TUNEL‐positive materials were also abundant in the cytoplasm of macrophages at the area of parenchymal collapse in viral liver diseases. Mononuclear cells that infiltrated liver parenchyma and portal tracts occasionally showed TUNEL‐positive reactions, which reflected the activation‐induced apoptosis of T lymphocytes. In alcoholic liver diseases, the incidence of apoptotic bodies derived from hepatocytes varied from 0 to 1.00/mm2. In addition, a considerable portion (0.2‐16.5%) of infiltrating PMNs in alcoholic hepatitis were TUNEL‐positive. In contrast, the nuclei of ballooning hepatocytes that contained Mallory bodies revealed few positive TUNEL reactions. Interestingly, the density of CD15‐positive PMNs was well correlated with peripheral white blood cell counts (r = 0.842, p < 0.005).Conclusions: PMNs that infiltrate liver parenchyma show an activation‐induced cell death‐like phenomenon in alcoholic hepatitis, like activated T cells that infiltrate in viral hepatitis. This apoptosis phenomenon may follow the degranulation of PMNs, which may cause a necrosis of ballooning hepatocytes that contain Mallory bodies through satellitosis.
Immunohistochemical Study on Acetaldehyde Adducts in Alcohol‐Fed Mice
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiko , Iwahashi Kazuhiko , Itoh Masahiro , Ameno Kiyoshi , Ijiri Iwao , Takeuchi Yoshiki , Suwaki Hiroshi 
Published: November 2018

Background: Acetaldehyde binds to some proteins, which results in Schiff base formation. It is assumed that acetaldehyde binds to the proteins after the consumption of ethanol, to form an adduct. Such acetaldehyde adducts are related to organ disease.Methods: We examined 8‐week‐old male BALB/c mice, which were given a liquid diet for 7 days. The diet consisted of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a 5% (v/v) ethanol solution. After the 7 days, we took tissue samples from the brain, liver, and adrenal cortex to investigate the distribution of acetaldehyde adducts. We performed immunohistochemical staining of the cerebral cortex, liver, and adrenal cortex from the mice by using antibodies against acetaldehyde adducts.Results: Our study showed that acetaldehyde adducts formed in the cerebral cortex in the early phase in alcohol‐fed mice.Conclusions: Because acetaldehyde in the liver has been shown to cause liver damage, our study suggests a relationship between acetaldehyde adducts in the brain and brain damage.
Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Histological Changes in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Tamai Toru , Seki Toshihito , Shiro Tomohiro , Nakagawa Taiichi , Wakabayashi Masayuki , Imamura Masato , Nishimura Akira , Yamashiki Noriyo , Takasu Masashi , Inoue Kyoichi , Okamura Akiharu 
Published: November 2018

Background:To assess the effects of alcohol on the histological changes in chronic hepatitis type C, we performed histopathological examination on liver biopsy specimens by using a semiquantitative method.Methods:Subjects were 91 patients with chronic hepatitis type C and 32 with alcoholic liver disease. The patients with chronic hepatitis type C were classified into three groups according to the total amount of alcohol intake: nondrinkers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers. For each patient, we evaluated pathological changes of several items and awarded scores from 0 to 2 points, with severe to moderate scoring 2 points, mild 1, and negative 0; the total score was then compared between groups. The evaluated histological changes included virus‐related histological changes (VI, inflammatory cell infiltration; V2, lymphoid follicle formation; and V3, bile duct damage) and alcohol‐related changes (A1, perivenular fibrosis; A2, stellate/pericellular fibrosis; and A3, fatty change).Results:The total scores of the hepatitis C virus‐related histological changes were significantly lower in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD group) (p< 0.05). However, we found no significant difference between the different alcohol intake groups. The total score for alcohol‐related histological changes significantly increased in line with increases in total alcoholic intake regardless of the presence or absence of hepatitis type C virus infection (p< 0.05).Conclusions:The results suggest that both alcoholic‐related liver damage and virus‐related liver damage have specific features; in a addition, alcohol was found to have little effect on the histological liver damage observed in chronic hepatitis type C.
Organizational determinants of bullying and work disengagement among hospital nurses
Authors: Arnetz Judith E. , Sudan Sukhesh , Fitzpatrick Laurie , Cotten Shelia R. , Jodoin Christine , Chang Chu‐Hsiang (Daisy) , Arnetz Bengt B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsTo identify organizational determinants of bullying and resulting work disengagement among hospital nurses.DesignA cross‐sectional, web‐based, anonymous questionnaire study.MethodsThe questionnaire was administered in 2017 to all Registered Nurses in a regional healthcare system in the United States (N = 1,780), with 331 complete responses. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with personally experiencing and witnessing bullying, respectively. Linear regression was conducted to identify organizational factors associated with disengagement due to bullying.ResultsPsychological safety, a measure of team trust and respect, was inversely associated with being personally bullied and witnessing bullying. Being personally bullied, but not witnessing bullying, was associated with disengagement due to bullying. Psychological safety and competence development, a measure of opportunities to develop skills and knowledge at work, were both inversely associated with disengagement due to bullying.ConclusionHospital units characterized by trust and respect among nurses are less likely to have a culture of bullying. Both psychological safety and competence development have a protective effect on nurse disengagement from the workplace due to bullying. Interventions to mitigate and prevent bullying and work disengagement among nurses should encompass efforts to enhance psychological safety and opportunities for competence development.ImpactBullying is a pervasive hazard in the nursing profession that contributes to unhealthy workplaces. Nurse managers and staff nurses should work together to establish psychologically safe environments where nurses dare to discuss tough issues like bullying. This research contributes to understanding the characteristics of work environments in which nurses can thrive and work effectively.
Evolving in isolation: Genetic tests reject recent connections of Amazonian savannas with the central Cerrado
Authors: Resende‐Moreira Luciana C. , Knowles L. Lacey , Thomaz Andréa T. , Prado Joyce R. , Souto Andrea P. , Lemos‐Filho José P. , Lovato Maria Bernadete 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThe effects of past climatic shifts remain enigmatic for the Amazon region, especially for islands of savanna within the tropical forest known as “Amazonian savannas” (AS). These disjunct savanna areas share many plant and animal species with the Cerrado biome in central Brazil (the CC), fuelling debate over historical connections. We evaluate hypothesized corridors between the CC and the AS, and specifically investigate whether a history of isolation versus recent connections is supported by genetic tests.LocationCerrado and Amazon biomes.TaxonTwo woody plant species: Byrsonima coccolobifolia and B. crassifolia (Malpighiaceae).MethodsAnalyses of genomic data (SNPs from more than 4,500 loci) in 28 populations, as well as chloroplast DNA (cpDNA), were used to test for parallel geographic structuring between the CC and AS—an expected structure if putative corridors provided regional connections between different areas of the CC and AS, and divergence times between the CC and AS were estimated using a composite‐likelihood method based on the site frequency spectrum.ResultsGenomic data, in contrast with cpDNA, generally show strong, concordant genetic structure between the CC and AS in both species, rather than regional grouping of CC with AS populations. In addition, divergence between the CC and AS predates the Last Glacial Maximum.Main conclusionsOur results suggest the AS have remained relatively isolated from the CC even though the strong structure of genomic variation is not shared by cpDNA. We note that past evidence of putative corridors between the CC and AS based solely on cpDNA should be interpreted cautiously since the lack of structure may reflect limited genetic resolution rather than gene flow. As such, the uniqueness of AS may be more pronounced than previously thought, highlighting the importance of protecting these highly threatened areas.
Identifying Noise Shocks: A VAR with Data Revisions
Authors: MASOLO RICCARDO M. , PACCAGNINI ALESSIA 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe propose a new Vector Autoregression (VAR) identification strategy to study the impact of noise, in the early releases of output growth figures, which exploits the informational advantage of the econometrician. Economic agents, uncertain about the underlying state of the economy, respond to noisy early data releases. Econometricians, with the benefit of hindsight, have access to data revisions as well, which we use to identify noise shocks. A surprising report of output growth produces qualitatively similar but quantitatively smaller effects than a demand shock. We also illustrate how a noise shock cannot be identified unless ex‐post information is used.
Incidence of late‐acquired stent malapposition of drug eluting stents with second generation permanent and biodegradable polymer coatings—A prospective, randomized comparison using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Roth Christian , Gangl Clemens , Dalos Daniel , Delle‐Karth Georg , Neunteufl Thomas , Berger Rudolf 
Published: November 2018

Objectives and BackgroundPolymer coatings of drug‐eluting stents (DES) may induce allergic reactions and inflammation, resulting in late‐acquired stent malapposition (LASM) with the risk of stent thrombosis. This study evaluated, if biodegradable polymer (BP) reduces the incidence of LASM compared to permanent polymer (PP) after treatment with newer generation DES.Methods and ResultsFifty patients with 59 lesions were randomized (2:1) to elective treatment with second generation PP‐DES (n = 32, 39 stents), either Everolimus‐eluting or Zotarolimus‐eluting stents, or with BP‐DES (Biolimus‐eluting stents [BES]; n = 18, 20 stents) and underwent optical coherence tomography directly after implantation and after 1 year. After implantation acute stent malappositions (ASM) were documented in 30 stents (51%) distributed to 22 stents treated with PP‐DES (56%) and 8 with BP‐DES (40%; n.s.). After 1 year, late stent malappositions (LSM) were detected in 14 stents (24 %); ASM persisted (APSM) in 9 stents after one year (7 PP‐DES—18%, 2 BES—10%), whereas ASM resolved in 21 stents. In addition, LASM was documented in nine stents including five stents without and four stents with additional APSM. All LASM were located in PP‐DES (n = 9; 23%), none in BP‐DES (P = 0.022). Compared to the reference lumen area, in‐stent lumen area of stents without LASM was smaller due to neointimal hyperplasia (P = 0.021), whereas in‐stent lumen area at maximum LASM of stents with LASM was larger due to positive remodeling (P = 0.002).ConclusionsIn conclusion the use of BP‐DES reduced the occurrence of LASM due to positive remodeling compared to second generation PP‐DES.
Oxysterols in intestinal immunity and inflammation
Authors: Willinger T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCholesterol is an essential molecule for life. It is a component of the cell membrane, and it is a precursor molecule for bile acids, vitamin D and steroid hormones. Cholesterol is actively metabolized, but the impact of endogenous cholesterol metabolites on immune function, especially in the intestine, is poorly understood. In this review, I focus on oxysterols, hydroxylated forms of cholesterol, and their specialized functions in intestinal immunity. Oxysterols act through various intracellular and extracellular receptors and serve as key metabolic signals, coordinating immune activity and inflammation. Our recent work has identified an unexpected link between cholesterol metabolism, innate lymphoid cell function and intestinal homeostasis. We discovered that oxysterol sensing through the G protein‐coupled receptor 183 (GPR183) directs the migration of innate lymphoid cells, which is essential for the formation of lymphoid tissue in the colon. Moreover, we found that the interaction of GPR183 with oxysterols regulates intestinal inflammation. I will discuss the therapeutic potential of oxysterols and future possibilities of treating inflammatory bowel disease through the modulation of cholesterol metabolism.
Load‐Bearing Capacity of Monolithic Zirconia Fixed Dental Prostheses Fabricated with Different Connector Designs and Embrasure Shaping Methods
Authors: Bakitian Fahad , Seweryniak Przemek , Papia Evaggelia , Larsson Christel , Vult von Steyern Per 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the load‐bearing capacity and failure mode of monolithic zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated with different connector designs and embrasure shaping methods.Materials and MethodsSeventy four‐unit zirconia FDPs (with two premolar pontics) were fabricated and divided into seven groups (n = 10) according to the different connector designs gained by using different embrasure shaping methods. The groups were as follows: monolithic FDPs fabricated with sharp embrasures, monolithic FDPs fabricated with blunt embrasures, monolithic FDPs fabricated with blunt embrasures and no occlusal embrasures, two groups of monolithic FDPs fabricated with blunt embrasures and interproximal separations made with diamond discs at the soft stage and at the fully sintered stage, and monolithic FDPs fabricated with blunt embrasures and interproximal separation accentuated by localized porcelain build‐up. A final group was used as a control group, where fully veneered traditional zirconia FDPs were fabricated with default milling settings. The FDPs were artificially aged and loaded to fracture. Load to fracture and failure modes were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Fisher exact test (α = 0.05).ResultsThe FDPs fabricated with interproximal porcelain separation showed significantly the highest load to fracture (1038 N ± 82) of all groups (p < 0.001), with no significant difference compared to the FDPs with no occlusal embrasures (934 N ± 175; p ˃ 0.29). The FDPs fabricated with blunt embrasures showed significantly higher load to fracture (873 N ± 115) compared to the FDPs in the control group (689 N ± 75) and the FDPs with sharp embrasures (417 N ± 87; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the FDPs with sharp embrasures (417 N ± 87) and the FDPs with interproximal disc separations (467 N ± 94; p ˃ 0.23). Failure mode of the FDPs fabricated with sharp embrasures and interproximal disc separations differed significantly compared to the FDPs in the other groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSharp embrasures and interproximal separations made with diamond discs significantly decrease the load‐bearing capacity of monolithic zirconia FDPs compared to FDPs made with blunt embrasures. Blunt embrasures in combination with localized porcelain build‐up produce FDPs with high load‐bearing capacity in relation to loads that might be expected under clinical use.
Comparative morphology of the deer ked Lipoptena fortisetosa first recorded from Italy
Authors: Andreani A. , Sacchetti P. , Belcari A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHippoboscidae flies parasitize various animal species. Knowledge about these insects remains sparse, although they are known to cause stress and damage to their hosts, and can also accidentally infest humans, causing different sanitary risks. Research conducted in Tuscany assessing the biology and distribution of Lipoptena cervi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), the most common ectoparasite of ungulates in Italy, revealed the presence of Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965 in Italy for the first time. This study includes a morphological comparative description of L. cervi and L. fortisetosa, emphasizing the peculiar differences between the two species to facilitate their accurate identification. The most pertinent morphological differences between the two species are highlighted, such as the external features of the antennae, distribution of bristles, and different features in the external genitalia. In both species, scanning electron microscopy of mouthparts revealed strong adaptive convergence in the feeding apparatus. Modified palps and a very thin proboscis are described in relation to feeding behaviour.
Factors influencing sexual risk behaviors among adolescents: A community‐based participatory study
Authors: Settheekul Saowaluck , Fongkaew Warunee , Viseskul Nongkran , Boonchieng Waraporn , Voss Joachim G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPregnancy rates and unprotected sex among Thai adolescents continue to increase. The aim of this community‐based participatory study was to identify gender differences in sexual behaviors and sexual risk factors, and to examine factors associated with sexual risk behaviors among 397 adolescents in northern Thailand. Twenty two community researchers facilitated the data collection by using smart phones or tablet computers on a privacy basis. Ordinal and logistic regressions identified predictors influencing pre‐coital behaviors and sexual behaviors. The results showed that males were more likely than females to engage in pre‐coital and sexual behaviors. Significant predictors of higher pre‐coital behaviors were age, sexual refusal self‐efficacy, having boyfriends/girlfriends, authoritarian parenting style, parental approval of sex, and perceived peer norms. Pre‐coital behaviors were positively correlated with sexual behaviors, and significant predictors of sexual behaviors were age, parent–adolescent communication, parental monitoring, perceived peer norms, and type of school. To better address the sexual risk behaviors of adolescents, we need to include key stakeholders to develop multi‐modal culturally‐ and gender‐specific sexual‐prevention programs to account for information delivery, acceptability, and dealing with peer pressure.
The influence of delayed admission to intensive care unit on mortality and nursing workload: a cohort study
Authors: Oliveira Ester Góes , Garcia Paulo Carlos , Citolino Filho Clairton Marcos , de Souza Nogueira Lilia 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe results of studies regarding the relationship between length of stay of patients in emergency departments (EDs) and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) are contradictory, and nothing is known about the impact of delayed admission of patients to ICUs on nursing workload.Aims and ObjectivesTo assess the influence of the time lapse between ED and ICU admissions on mortality and nursing workload in relation to intensive care patients.DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study that examined the medical records of patients who were 15 years of age or older and admitted directly to the ICU from the ED.MethodsThe data were collected between 2014 and 2016 in a hospital located in São Paulo, Brazil. Nursing workload was measured by the Nursing Activities Score. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were applied, with a significance level of 5%.ResultsOf the 534 patients analysed, the majority were men (57·49%); the mean age was 55·37 ± 19·64 years. Length of stay in the ED was not associated with nursing workload at the time of admission of patients to the ICU or during their stay in the unit. For mortality, this variable was a risk factor along with cause of admission, length of stay in the ICU and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 score. For every additional hour that patients remained in the ED, their chance of dying in the ICU increased by 1%.ConclusionLength of stay of patients in the ED was a risk factor for mortality in the ICU; however, this variable did not have any influence on nursing workload.Relevance to clinical practiceStrategies need to be implemented to optimize the availability of ICU beds and reduce the length of stay of critical patients in the ED as delays in admitting such patients to the ICU have an impact on mortality.