bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma uric acid effects on glomerular haemodynamic profile of patients with uncomplicated Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lytvyn Y. , Škrtić M. , Yang G. K. , Lai V. , Scholey J. W. , Yip P. M. , Perkins B. A. , Cherney D. Z. I. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsIncreased plasma uric acid (PUA) levels are associated with impaired renal function in patients with Type 1 diabetes, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Our aim was to evaluate whether higher PUA levels are associated with increased afferent arteriolar resistance in patients with Type 1 diabetes vs. healthy controls, thereby influencing renal function.MethodsPUA, GFR (inulin) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; para‐aminohippurate) were measured in 70 otherwise healthy patients with Type 1 diabetes and 60 healthy controls. Gomez's equations were used to estimate afferent (RA) and efferent (RE) arteriolar resistances, glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PGLO) and filtration pressure (ΔPF). The relationships between PUA and glomerular haemodynamic parameters were evaluated by univariable linear regression correlation coefficients.ResultsIn patients with Type 1 diabetes, higher PUA correlated with lower PGLO (P = 0.002) and ΔPF (P = 0.0007), with higher RA (P = 0.001), but not with RE (P = 0.55). These associations were accompanied by correlations between higher PUA with lower GFR (P = 0.0007), ERPF (P = 0.008), RBF (P = 0.047) and higher RVR (P = 0.021). There were no significant correlations between PUA and renal haemodynamic parameters in the healthy controls.ConclusionsThe association between higher PUA with lower GFR and lower ERPF in patients with Type 1 diabetes is driven by alterations in the estimated RA. PUA‐mediated RA may be caused by increased tone or thickening of the afferent renal arteriole, which might potentiate renal injury by causing ischaemia to the renal microcirculation.
Differences in peripheral oxidative stress markers in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and mixed dementia patients
Authors: Hatanaka Hirokuni , Hanyu Haruo , Fukasawa Raita , Hirao Kentaro , Shimizu Soichiro , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Iwamoto Toshihiko 
Published: December 2015

AimsWe determined whether the possible roles of oxidative stress differ in the pathophysiology and cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed Alzheimer's/vascular dementia (MD).MethodsWe measured the levels of diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM), reflecting the amount of organic hydroperoxides, and biological anti‐oxidant potential (BAP), measuring the ferric reducing ability of blood plasma, in 72 patients with AD, 27 with VaD, 24 with MD and 53 non‐demented outpatients (control group). In addition, endogenous plasma anti‐oxidants, such as albumin, total bilirubin and uric acid, were compared among the groups. All participants with VaD and MD showed extensive white matter hyperintensity, in addition to multiple lacunes.ResultsThe dROM levels were significantly higher in the AD and MD groups than in the control group. The BAP levels were significantly lower in the MD group than in the control, AD and VaD groups. The AD group showed significantly lower levels of bilirubin and uric acid than the control group. The MD group showed a significantly lower level of albumin than the control and AD groups, and a significantly lower level of bilirubin than the control group. The Mini‐Mental State examination scores correlated significantly with dROM levels and BAP/dROM ratios in the AD group.ConclusionsAn imbalance in pro‐oxidant and anti‐oxidant defenses is apparently involved in the pathophysiology of the AD and MD groups. The extent of oxidative stress damage might differ in subtypes of dementia by being greater in the MD group than in other types of dementia. Synergic effects of the degenerative element of AD and white matter lesions might be associated with oxidative stress damage in the MD group. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; (Suppl. 1): 53–58.
White matter hyperintensities and geriatric syndrome: An important role of arterial stiffness
Authors: Saji Naoki , Ogama Noriko , Toba Kenji , Sakurai Takashi 
Published: December 2015

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are defined as cerebral white matter changes presumed to be of vascular origin, bilateral and mostly symmetrical. They can appear as hyperintense on T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery sequences, and as isointense or hypointense on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. WMH have been focused on because of their clinical importance as a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases and cognitive impairment. WMH are associated with geriatric syndrome, which is defined by clinical symptoms characteristic of older adults, including cognitive and functional impairment and falls.Cerebral small vessel diseases, such as WMH, might play an important role as risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases, cognitive impairment and geriatric syndrome through the mechanism of arterial stiffness. However, the vascular, physiological and metabolic roles of arterial stiffness remain unclear. Basically, arterial stiffness indicates microvessel arteriosclerosis presenting with vascular endothelial dysfunction. These changes might arise from hemodynamic stress as a result of a “tsunami effect” on cerebral parenchyma. In the present article, we review the clinical characteristics of WMH, focusing particularly on two associations: (i) those between cerebral small vessel diseases including WMH and arterial stiffness; and (ii) those between WMH and geriatric syndrome. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 17–25.
Challenges in shared decision making in advanced cancer care: a qualitative longitudinal observational and interview study
Authors: Brom Linda , De Snoo‐Trimp Janine C. , Onwuteaka‐Philipsen Bregje D. , Widdershoven Guy A. M. , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Pasman H. Roeline W. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatients' preferences and expectations should be taken into account in treatment decision making in the last phase of life. Shared decision making (SDM) is regarded as a way to give the patient a central role in decision making. Little is known about how SDM is used in clinical practice in advanced cancer care.ObjectiveTo examine whether and how the steps of SDM can be recognized in decision making about second‐ and third‐line chemotherapy.MethodsFourteen advanced cancer patients were followed over time using face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews and observations of the patients' out‐clinic visits. Interviews and outpatient clinic visits in which treatment options were discussed or decisions made were transcribed verbatim and analysed using open coding.ResultsPatients were satisfied with the decision‐making process, but the steps of SDM were barely seen in daily practice. The creation of awareness about available treatment options by physicians was limited and not discussed in an equal way. Patients' wishes and concerns were not explicitly assessed, which led to different expectations about improved survival from subsequent lines of chemotherapy.ConclusionTo reach SDM in daily practice, physicians should create awareness of all treatment options, including forgoing treatment, and communicate the risk of benefit and harm. Open and honest communication is needed in which patients' expectations and concerns are discussed. Through this, the difficult process of decision making in the last phase of life can be facilitated and the focus on the best care for the specific patient is strengthened.
Effect of high power ultrasonic treatment on whey protein foaming quality
Authors: Tan Mei C. , Chin Nyuk L. , Yusof Yus A. , Abdullah Jaafar 
Published: December 2015

SummaryHigh power ultrasonic energy at 20%, 40% and 60% amplitude was applied on whey protein suspension at concentrations of 100, 150 and 200 g kg−1 for 5, 15 and 25 min to improve its foaming quality. Ultrasound‐treated whey protein suspension at 200 g kg−1 showed improvement in terms of increased foaming capacity by 18%, foam stability by 35%, consistency index by 18%, storage modulus by 17%, loss modulus by 26% and viscosity by 21% compared with untreated whey protein. For maximally ultrasound‐treated samples of 60% amplitude treated for 25 min, the improved whey protein foams also had a 46% increase in the number of more evenly distributed fine bubbles which had a size smaller than 0.0025 mm3 as imaged using X‐ray microtomography.
Herbal and nutrient complementary medicines for weight loss: community pharmacists' practices, attitudes, recommendations, information and education needs
Authors: Taing Meng-Wong , Tan Eunice Tze Xin , Williams Gail M , Clavarino Alexandra M , McGuire Treasure M 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate pharmacists' herbal/nutrient weight loss complementary medicine (WLCM) practices in the context of other pharmacist weight management support practices (provision of lifestyle advice, orlistat and meal replacement treatments); and gain insight into their attitudes, recommendations, information and education needs.

Methods
Pharmacists from a randomly selected sample of 214 community pharmacies from different socioeconomic areas in the Greater Brisbane region, Australia, were invited to complete a survey to explore their weight management practices, with a specific focus on herbal/nutrient WLCM practices. Data collected from the sample group represented pharmacist practices within the metropolitan Greater Brisbane region.

Key findings
This survey achieved a 51% response rate. During weight management consultations, a high proportion of customers (37%) sought advice from community pharmacists relating to WLCMs relative to other weight management practices; however, only a small proportion (10%) of pharmacists recommended them. Most were also found to be using resources that may not be evidence-based or do not provide sufficient WLCMs' information.

Conclusion
Study results highlight the need for pharmacy professional bodies to develop evidence-based continuing education programmes to assist consumers with popular and widely available WLCMs products.
Evaluation of the general public's knowledge, views and practices relating to appropriate antibiotic use in Qatar†
Authors: Moienzadeh Atefeh , Massoud Tasnim , Black Emily 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objective
Studies completed internationally have demonstrated an alarming number of patients believed antibiotics are indicated in the treatment of viral infections and other self-limited illnesses. Evaluation of patient practices relating to antibiotics have also demonstrated inappropriate use. Antibiotic misuse by patients and practitioners has been identified as a factor in the development of resistance. Current knowledge, views and practices relating to antibiotic use in Qatar is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the general population's current antimicrobial knowledge, views and practices in Qatar.

Methods
This study was designed as a self-administered cross-sectional survey. Eligible participants were residents of Qatar who were over the age of 18 and spoke English or Arabic. The questionnaire was developed based on previously published literature and objectives of this study. Data were collected at community pharmacies in Doha, Qatar.

Key findings
The majority of participants (95.8%) had taken antibiotics in the past. The median knowledge score of the study population was 4/8. Misconceptions relating to use of antibiotics for treatment of viral infections were common. Inappropriate use as evident by hoarding of antibiotics for future use and sharing antibiotics with family or friends was also identified in this study population.

Conclusion
Community pharmacists in Qatar have an opportunity to improve knowledge of the general population regarding appropriate indications of antibiotics and risk of resistance with inappropriate use.
Incidence and risk factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among hospitalised Lebanese infants
Authors: Mhanna Razan Ghattas , Rahal Mohamad , Iskandarani Mohamad , Hammoudi Dalal 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in hospitalised 6- to 24-month-old infants in rural versus urban settings. The secondary objective was to determine associated risk factors in rural versus urban settings.

Methods
A 6-month prospective multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in paediatrics departments of three Lebanese hospitals. Preterm to term infants aged 6–24 months were included. Infants with blood disorders, chronic infections, congenital immunodeficiency and mental or congenital growth retardation were excluded. Incidence of IDA was assessed using haematologic laboratory values, while risk factors were assessed using questionnaires addressed to infants' caregivers. For data analysis, P values, chi-squared and logistic regression were used.

Key findings
Among 520 screened infants, a total of 100 patients were selected. Thirty-seven per cent of patients were anaemic with haemoglobin levels &lt;11 g/dl. Significant risk factors included: exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months (95% CI, 1.03 to 8.9; P = 0.043), low family income (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.98; P = 0.045), residing in rural areas (95% CI, 0.064 to 0.0509; P &lt; 0.001), inadequate maternal iron supply (95% CI, 1.01 to 8.26; P = 0.05), low maternal education level (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.88; P = 0.03) and lack of infant iron supply (95% CI, 1.39 to 8.41; P = 0.007).

Conclusion
Incidence of IDA among Lebanese infants is moderate and multifactorial. High maternal education level, urban residence, giving iron supplements to exclusively breastfed infants starting from 6 months of age, adequate family income and iron supplementation in both mother and infant are significant protective factors against anaemia in this population.
A haemostatic technique using silicone gel dressing for burn surgery
Authors: Osuka Akinori , Kuroki Yuichi , Ueyama Masashi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSignificant blood loss and high rates of transfusion remain ongoing concerns in burn surgery. We have reported a haemostatic technique using silicone gel dressing to minimise bleeding during tangential excision in burn surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the efficacy of our novel haemostatic technique for burn surgery. This study was a retrospective observational study. From 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015, we collated data including pre‐ and 24‐hour postoperative haemoglobin levels from patients over 15 years of age who underwent tangential excision for burn injuries. We also collected data on the amounts of measured blood loss, blood transfusions, excised areas, harvest areas and duration of surgeries. The collected data were divided into a conventional group and a silicone gel dressing group. Then, we analysed the differences between the two groups. During the study period, 357 patients were admitted to our burn centre, and 60 operations (44 patients) were performed by tangential excision. The conventional group comprised 28 operations (20 patients), and the silicone gel dressing group comprised 32 operations (26 patients). Excised areas and harvested areas were significantly larger in the silicone gel dressing group than in the conventional group. The amount of blood loss per percent excised and the number of units of blood transfused were significantly lower in the silicone gel dressing group. Duration of the surgeries was almost the same between the two groups. Application of our new technique during tangential excision for burn injuries resulted in a remarkable reduction in blood loss and transfusion requirements.
Demonstration of TARC and CCR4 mRNA Expression and Distribution Using In situ RT‐PCR in the Lesional Skin of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Zheng Xueyi , Nakamura Koichiro , Furukawa Hirotoshi , Nishibu Akiko , Takahashi Masabumi , Tojo Michiko , Kaneko Fumio , Kakinuma Takashi , Tamaki Kunihiko 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and its receptor, CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), have been proven to be involved in a number of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this study was to examine the expression and distribution of TARC and CCR4 mRNAs in samples of AD (n=15, acute lesions 8, chronic lesions 7) and normal skin (n=6). The expression and distribution of TARC and CCR4 mRNAs were detected with the in situ reverse transcription (RT) ‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. TARC mRNA was expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, dermal endothelial cells and infiltrating cells. CCR4 mRNA was expressed in dermal endothelial cells and infiltrating cells. In acute AD lesional skin, there were more positive cells, and the staining intensity was stronger than in chronic lesions (p<0.05). The distribution of positive cells was as follows: In the epidermis, keratinocytes in the basal layer showed the strongest staining, and keratinocytes in the spinous layer showed moderate staining; the superficial area showed faint staining. In the dermis, infiltrating cells located in the superficial area of the dermis showed the strongest staining, positive staining intensity became weaker and the percentage of positive cells became less as the location became deeper. There were no positive cells in normal skin. These data further substantiate the role of TARC/CCR4 in the pathogenesis of AD.
A Field Study of Social Dominance, Plasma Levels of Luteinizing Hormone and Steroid Hormones in Wintering Harris' Sparrows
Authors: Rohwer Sievert , Wingfield John C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPlasma levels of corticosterone, testosterone, and LH were compared with the social status signaled by plumage variations among winter Harris' Sparrows, Zonotrichia querula. Both duration of capture stress and weather conditions had highly significant effects on corticosterone titers. With these variables statistically controlled, corticosterone was inversely related to dominance status in blood samples taken under snow‐free conditions, but positively (though not significantly) related to dominance status in another group of samples taken soon after a heavy snow fall. There was no correlation between dominance status and testosterone, even when significant weather effects were statistically controlled, or between dominance and LH, for which there were no significant effects of weather.ZusammenfassungÜberwinternde Harris‐Ämmerlinge (Zonotrichia querula) geben ihre Ranghöhe durch den individuellen Grad des Schwarz ihrer Kehl‐ und Scheitel‐federn zu erkennen. Deshalb haben wir die Vögel auf die Beziehung zwischen der Ranghöhe und dem Plasmatiter von LH und Steroidhormonen unter‐sucht. 34 Vögel im Jahr 1974 zeigten keine Beziehung zwischen Ranghöhe und den Bluttitern von LH oder Testosteron. Während Testosteronimplantate, wie bekannt, die Angriffsbereitschaft überwinternder Harris‐Ämmerlinge heben, gibt es wahrscheinlich keine Beziehung zwischen Testosteron und Ranghöhe, weil Harris‐Ämmerlingsschwärme eine stabile Rangordnung haben, die auf‐grund der Unterschiede im Aussehen der Schwarmmitglieder voraussagbar ist.In einer Stichprobe von Vögeln unter schneefreien Bedingungen war der Corticosteron‐Gehalt um so höher, je niedriger die Ranghöhe war (r = −0,41); doch in einer anderen Stichprobe, bei mächtiger Schneedecke, waren die Cor‐ticosteron‐Titer um so beträchtlicher, je höher der Rang eines Vogels war (r = 0,41; allerdings nicht signifikant). Der Unterschied zwischen Überlegenen und Rangtiefen im relativen Streß in beiden Stichproben kann aufgrund einer neuen Hypothese zur Erklärung der Evolutionsstabilität des Ranghöhensignals des Harris‐Ämmerlings verstanden werden. Ranghohe verteidigen offenbar Unterlegene gegen andere Ranghohe, weil die Unterlegenen als Nahrungs‐sucher für sie wertvoll sind. Starke Schneedecke streßt Ranghohe offenbar relativ mehr als Unterlegene, weil sie ein wenig größer sind und die Nahrung so plötzlich infolge Schneefalls versiegt ist, daß Unterlegene vorübergehend ihren Wert als Nahrungssucher verloren haben.
Vigilance and Flock Size in Brent Geese: The Edge Effect
Authors: Inglis I. R. , Lazarus John 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe report a test of the hypothesis that the commonly observed decline in vigilance with increasing flock size in birds is a result of the greater vigilance of birds on the edge of the flock (due to their greater risk of predation rather than to the influence of flock size per se). Greater vigilance by edge birds would produce this effect because as flock size increases the proportion of birds on the perimeter of the flock declines. Observations on wild flocks of dark‐bellied brent geese (Branta bernicla bernicla) support the hypothesis.ZusammenfassungBei einer Reihe von Vögeln nimmt der wachsame Anteil des Schwarmes mit der Schwarmgröße ab. Lazarus(1978) nahm an, daß dies die Folge erhöhter Wachsamkeit der Randvögel gegenüber Räubern ist (wegen der höheren Feind‐Gefährdung), da der Anteil von Vögeln am Schwarmrand mit der Schwarmgröße abnimmt. Um diese Hypothese zu prüfen, wurde die Zeit, die die Vögel in Kopf hoch‐, Kopf extrem hoch‐ und Kopf unten‐Haltungen ver‐brachten, bei Rand‐ und Zentrumsvögeln weidender Schwärme von Ringel‐gänsen (Branta bernicla bernicla) gemessen. Randvögel verbrachten wesentlich mehr Zeit in der Kopf hoch‐ und weniger in der Kopf unten‐Position als Vögel im Schwarmzentrum, jedoch gab es in der extremen Kopf hoch‐Position keinen bedeutenden Zeitunterschied. Diese Beobachtungswerte, ein Schwarm‐formindex und ein Maß für den Individuenabstand im Schwarm waren Grundlage eines Modells um zu prüfen, wie weit der Randeffekt allein die Schwarm‐größe—Wachsamkeitsbeziehung erklären kann. Vom Modell abgeleitete Kurven paßen gut zu den Daten, abgesehen von einer Überschätzung der Wach‐samkeitswerte in einem kleinen Bereich der Schwarmgröße. Die Folgen der Verletzung der Annahmen des Modelles wurden erörtert. Der Rand/Mitte‐Unterschied kann kaum dadurch erklärt werden, daß Wachsamkeit eher der Entdeckung von Artgenossen oder Weideflächen als der von Räubern dient.
Social Organisation in an Enclosed Group of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) on Rhum
Authors: HALL MARION J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPrimate social organisation is often considered to be more complex than that of ‘lower’ mammals. The dominance hierarchy, which is given especial emphasis in most studies of social species, has been criticised on the grounds that rank is poorly related to other aspects of social organisation. These two ideas were investigated in an enclosed group of red deer by looking at the relationships between four aspects of social organisation: the dominance hierarchy; social grooming behaviour; non‐copulatory mounting behaviour; spatial organisation. The last three aspects have frequently been studied in primates, but rarely in ungulates.
Marking Fish Eggs and Fry by Feeding Dyes to the Female Parent
Authors: Bartos Joachim , Wirtz Peter 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryAfter ingesting Solvent black, Solvent black 3, Solvent blue, and Canthaxanthine with their food, several species of fish produced eggs stained blue or yellow. Young developing from these eggs were also marked for up to 10 days. The method of marking eggs and young by feeding dyes to the female parent is probably applicable to other animals such as birds or reptiles. We mention a number of possible uses in ethological and ecological studies.ZusammenfassungNachdem sie mit der Nahrung Sudanschwarz, Sudantiefschwarz, Sudanblau und Canthaxanthin aufgenommen hatten, legten mehrere Fischarten Eier, die blau oder gelb gefärbt waren. Die Jungfische, die sich aus solchen Eiern entwickelten, waren bis zu 10 Tage lang ebenfalls gefärbt. Eine Reihe von ethologischen und ökologischen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Methode wird diskutiert.