bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motives for sickness presence among students at secondary school: a cross-sectional study in five European countries
Authors: Johansen Vegard 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesThis article investigates various motives for sickness presence (SP) among students in secondary school.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting25 secondary schools in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Italy and Latvia.Participants5002 students between 16 and 19 years of age, 49% female.ResultsAlmost half of the students reported two or more incidents of SP. The study indicated that the practice of SP was mainly extrinsically motivated. The most often reported motives for SP were that absence could affect grades negatively, that important curriculum material was explained at the school and attendance requirements. Some students practising SP expressed intrinsic motivation, such as maintaining their social network and interest in what was learnt at school.ConclusionThe study investigated various motives for SP in secondary schools in five European countries. Extrinsic motivation for SP was more often reported than intrinsic motivation for SP. Multivariate analyses indicated that boys, students in vocational education, immigrants and students with low-educated parents more often reported intrinsic motivation for SP, while girls and students with high absence more often reported extrinsic motivation. There were also notable cross-country differences regarding reported motives for SP.
Comparative effectiveness of novel oral anticoagulants in UK patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease: a matched cohort study
Authors: Loo Simone Y , Coulombe Janie , Dell’Aniello Sophie , Brophy James M , Suissa Samy , Renoux Christel 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), particularly those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).DesignPopulation-based matched cohort study.SettingOver 670 primary care practices in the UK, contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.ParticipantsUp to 6818 adult patients newly treated with NOACs between 2011 and 2016, matched 1:1 to new users of VKAs on age, sex and high-dimensional propensity score.InterventionsCurrent exposure to NOACs compared with current exposure to VKAs.Main outcome measuresHRs of ischaemic stroke and systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, intracranial bleeding, myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality.ResultsIn as-treated analyses, the rates of ischaemic stroke/SE were similar between NOACs and VKAs (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.42), as were the rates of major bleeding (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.56 to 1.33). NOACs also significantly increased the risk of GI bleeding (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.48). In patients with NVAF and CKD, NOACs and VKAs remained comparable with respect to the risk of ischaemic stroke/SE (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.58) and major bleeding (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.62), with no difference in the risk of GI bleeding (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.55). Similar results were obtained in on-treatment analyses using a time-dependent exposure definition.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in the UK primary care, NOACs are overall effective and safe alternatives to VKAs, among patients with NVAF altogether, as well as in patients with NVAF and CKD.
Reasons for Accident and Emergency department attendance by people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure: recipients and providers’ perspectives. An exploratory study
Authors: Lee Jeong Su , Lempp Heidi , Srivastava Vivek , Barley Elizabeth 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionFifteen million people are affected by one or more long-term conditions in England. The cost of caring for this patient group increases every year. Several studies have been conducted to find out why people with those conditions choose to access Accident and Emergency (A&E) frequently. To our knowledge, there is no study that compares the three groups (patients, family members and hospital clinicians), and this approach may enhance understanding of A&E admissions in England. Therefore, an exploratory study was undertaken to identify key factors that contribute to A&E admissions as perceived by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF), their family members (or carers) and hospital clinicians.MethodsA mixed methods approach was undertaken: (1) semistructured interviews with patients and their family members (or carers) and (2) a self-developed survey with hospital clinicians. A purposive sample of 15 patients (9 COPD, 6 HF), 6 family members and carers (2 COPD, 4 HF) and 13 hospital clinicians (5 doctors, 8 nurses) participated in the study.ResultsThe patients’ main reason for A&E admission was severe exacerbation of their symptoms and all three parties (patients, family members or carers, hospital clinicians) agreed with this decision. Three key factors were highlighted in relation to A&E attendance: (1) patients’ health-seeking behaviour, (2) perceptions about general practitioner (GP) and A&E services by patients and (3) patients’ attitudes towards managing their own conditions.ConclusionsImproving patients’ perceptions of GP services in the management of exacerbations of HF and COPD will be important to increase patients’ trust in GP services so that patients will access primary care in a timely manner to prevent exacerbations of symptoms that require A&E admission. This may be achieved by developing a close collaboration between the patients, family members (carers) and hospital clinicians over time.
Charting the road forward in psychiatric neurosurgery: proceedings of the 2016 American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery workshop on neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Bari Ausaf A , Mikell Charles B , Abosch Aviva , Ben-Haim Sharona , Buchanan Robert J , Burton Allen W , Carcieri Stephen , Cosgrove G Rees , D’Haese Pierre-Francois , Daskalakis Zafiris Jeffrey , Eskandar Emad N , Gerrard Jason L , Goodman Wayne K , Greenberg Benjamin David , Gross Robert E , Hamani Clement , Kiss Zelma H T , Konrad Peter , Kopell Brian H , Krinke Lothar , Langevin Jean-Philippe , Lozano Andres M , Malone Donald , Mayberg Helen S , Miller Jonathan P , Patil Parag G , Peichel DeLea , Petersen Erika A , Rezai Ali R , Richardson R Mark , Riva-Posse Patricio , Sankar Tejas , Schwalb Jason M , Simpson Helen Blair , Slavin Konstantin , Stypulkowski Paul H , Tosteson Tor , Warnke Peter , Willie Jon T , Zaghloul Kareem A , Neimat Joseph S , Pouratian Nader , Sheth Sameer A 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveRefractory psychiatric disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and there is a great need for new treatments. In the last decade, investigators piloted novel deep brain stimulation (DBS)-based therapies for depression and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Results from recent pivotal trials of these therapies, however, did not demonstrate the degree of efficacy expected from previous smaller trials. To discuss next steps, neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists and representatives from industry convened a workshop sponsored by the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery in Chicago, Illinois, in June of 2016.DesignHere we summarise the proceedings of the workshop. Participants discussed a number of issues of importance to the community. First, we discussed how to interpret results from the recent pivotal trials of DBS for OCD and depression. We then reviewed what can be learnt from lesions and closed-loop neurostimulation. Subsequently, representatives from the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and industry discussed their views on neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders. In particular, these third parties discussed their criteria for moving forward with new trials. Finally, we discussed the best way of confirming safety and efficacy of these therapies, including registries and clinical trial design. We close by discussing next steps in the journey to new neuromodulatory therapies for these devastating illnesses.ConclusionInterest and motivation remain strong for deep brain stimulation for psychiatric disease. Progress will require coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.
Public smoking ban and socioeconomic inequalities in smoking prevalence and cessation: a cross-sectional population-based study in Geneva, Switzerland (1995–2014)
Authors: Sandoval José Luis , Leão Teresa , Cullati Stéphane , Theler Jean-Marc , Joost Stéphane , Humair Jean-Paul , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , Guessous Idris 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionSmoking bans were suggested to reduce smoking prevalence and increase quit ratio but their equity impact remains unclear. We aimed to characterise the socioeconomic status (SES)-related inequalities in smoking prevalence and quit ratio before and after the implementation of a public smoking ban.MethodsWe included data from 17 544 participants in the population-based cross-sectional Bus Santé study in Geneva, Switzerland, between 1995 and 2014. We considered educational attainment (primary, secondary and tertiary) as a SES indicator. Outcomes were smoking prevalence (proportion of current smokers) and quit ratio (ex-smokers to ever-smokers ratio). We used segmented linear regression to assess the overall impact of smoking ban on outcome trends. We calculated the relative (RII) and slope (SII, absolute difference) indexes of inequality, quantifying disparities between educational groups in outcomes overall (1995–2014), before and after ban implementation (November 2009).ResultsLeast educated participants displayed higher smoking prevalence (RII=2.04, P<0.001; SII=0.15, P<0.001) and lower quit ratio (RII=0.73, P<0.001; SII=−0.18, P<0.001). As in other studies, smoking ban implementation coincided with a temporary reduction of smoking prevalence (P=0.003) and increase in quit ratio (P=0.02), with a progressive return to preban levels. Inequalities increased (P<0.05) in relative terms for smoking prevalence (RIIbefore=1.84, P<0.001 and RIIafter=3.01, P<0.001) and absolute terms for both outcomes (smoking prevalence: SIIbefore=0.14, P<0.001 and SIIafter=0.19, P<0.001; quit ratio: SIIbefore=−0.15, P<0.001 and SIIafter=−0.27, P<0.001).ConclusionsImplementation of a public smoking ban coincided with a short-lived decrease in smoking prevalence and increase in quit ratio but also with a widening in SES inequalities in smoking-related outcomes.
Relativistic excited state binding energies and RMS radii of Λ-hypernuclei
Authors: Nejad S. Mohammad Moosavi , Armat A. 
Published: January 2018

Using an analytical solution for the relativistic equation of single [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei in the presence of Woods–Saxon (WS) potential we present, for the first time, an analytical form for the excited state binding energies of 1p, 1d, 1f and 1g shells of a number of hypernuclei. Based on phenomenological analysis of the [Formula: see text] binding energies in a set of [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei, the WS potential parameters are obtained phenomenologically for the set of [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei. Systematic study of the energy levels of single [Formula: see text]-hypernuclei enables us to extract more detailed information about the [Formula: see text]-nucleon interaction. We also study the root mean square (RMS) radii of the [Formula: see text] orbits in the hypernuclear ground states. Our results are presented for several hypernuclei and it is shown that our results for the binding energies are in good agreement with experimental data.
A specific amino acid formula prevents alcoholic liver disease in rodents
Authors: Tedesco Laura , Corsetti Giovanni , Ruocco Chiara , Ragni Maurizio , Rossi Fabio , Carruba Michele O. , Valerio Alessandra , Nisoli Enzo 
Published: January 2018

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, defective protein metabolism, and fat accumulation in hepatocytes (liver steatosis). Inadequate amino acid metabolism is worsened by protein malnutrition, frequently present in alcohol-consuming patients, with reduced circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Here we asked whether dietary supplementation with a specific amino acid mixture, enriched in BCAAs (BCAAem) and able to promote mitochondrial function in muscle of middle-aged rodents, would prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and liver steatosis in Wistar rats fed on a Lieber-DeCarli ethanol (EtOH)-containing liquid diet. Supplementation of BCAAem, unlike a mixture based on the amino acid profile of casein, abrogated the EtOH-induced fat accumulation, mitochondrial impairment, and oxidative stress in liver. These effects of BCAAem were accompanied by normalization of leucine, arginine, and tryptophan levels, which were reduced in liver of EtOH-consuming rats. Moreover, although the EtOH exposure of HepG2 cells reduced mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial transcription factors, and respiratory chain proteins, the BCAAem but not casein-derived amino acid supplementation halted this mitochondrial toxicity. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) expression, as well as endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, were downregulated in the EtOH-exposed HepG2 cells. BCAAem reverted these molecular defects and the mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that the mitochondrial integrity obtained with the amino acid supplementation could be mediated through a Sirt1-eNOS-mTOR pathway. Thus a dietary activation of the mitochondrial biogenesis and function by a specific amino acid supplement protects against the EtOH toxicity and preserves the liver integrity in mammals. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Dietary supplementation of a specific amino acid formula prevents both fat accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes of alcohol-consuming rats. These effects are accompanied also by increased expression of anti-reactive oxygen species genes. The amino acid-protective effects likely reflect activation of sirtuin 1-endothelial nitric oxide synthase-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway able to regulate the cellular energy balance of hepatocytes exposed to chronic, alcoholic damage.
АКТИВНІСТЬ СУПЕРОКСИДДИСМУТАЗИ І КАТАЛАЗИ У СТІНЦІ ТОНКОЇ КИШКИ, СЕРЦІ І ПЕЧІНЦІ ПРИ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМУ ЗАСТОСУВАННІ КАРАГІНАНУ
Authors: Kopanytsia O. M. 
Published: January 2018

Вступ. Одним з провідних механізмів формування синдрому органних дисфункцій при різних патологіях є гіперпродукція активних форм оксигену, які запускають процеси пероксидного окиснення в органах і тканинах, віддалених від вогнища ураження [6]. Виникнення оксидативного стрессу зумовлене також зниженням ефективності антиоксидантного захисту.Тому, метою нашого дослідження було встановити активність супероксиддисмутази та каталази в тканинах тонкої кишки, серця і печінки тварин при застосуванні 1% розчину κ-карагінану.Матеріали та методи дослідження. Дослідження проведено на 24 білих нелінійних самцях-щурах. Тваринам дослідної групи забезпечували вільний доступ до 1,0 % розчину карагінану у питній воді протягом 1 місяця. У відібраних зразках тонкої кишки, серця і печінки оцінювали активність супероксиддисмутази і каталази.Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Встановлено, що застосування 1 % розчину κ-карагінану щурам у питній воді зумовлювало активацію ензимної ланки антиоксидантної системи захисту. Встановлено зростання активності СОД в гомогенаті стінки тонкої кишки (в 1,32 раза, р<0,05) і печінці (в 1,30 раза, р<0,05). Підвищувалася також активність каталази у гомогенаті стінки тонкої кишки (в 1,18 раза, р<0,05) і печінці (в 1,13 раза, р<0,05). При цьому коефіцієнт антиоксидантного захисту в стінці кишки становив 1,11 (р<0,05), в міокарді – 1,0 і в печінці – 1,15 (р<0,05).Висновок. Пероральне застосування 1% розчину карагінану щурам веде до статистично значимої активації ензимної ланки антиоксидантного захисту в стінці тонкої кишки і печінці, що характеризується підвищенням, відповідно, активності СОД (на 31,8 % і 29,7 %) і каталази (на 18,3 % і 12,9 %), р<0,05.
<b>Population characteristics of <I>Silaum silaus</I> (L.) Schinz & Thell. (Apiaceae) in Mordovia, a highly threatened plant species at the northern limit of its range</b>
Authors: Khapugin Anatoliy A. 
Published: January 2018

Knowledge on status of peripheral plant populations is important for understanding of species’ adaptation and evolution within their ranges. There is a lack of data on the status of Silaum silaus (Apiaceae) populations at the periphery of its native range. One of the most northern native S. silaus populations is situated in the Republic of Mordovia (Central Russia). This species is considered as Critically Endangered in the region. Population-based studies of S. silaus have been carried out. Reproductive biology, morphometric parameters of individuals, accompanying flora, seed characteristics (mass, germination rate) were investigated. Results showed that at the northern limit of the range S. silaus grows in floodplain meadow community previously disturbed by livestock grazing. The area occupied by the population, however, has increased more than 12 fold over the last 15 years. Increasing fruit production together with decreasing fruit mass was established for the studied population compared to populations in the central part of its native range. In addition, germination rate was very low (2.3–16.7 % depending on edaphic conditions). Additional studies of S. silaus populations are needed in saline steppes of the closely located territories where it occurs as one of the dominant species in the plant community.
<b>Report of a longhorn beetle <I>Cyrtonops punctipennis</I> White, 1853 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Maharashtra, India</b>
Authors: Naidu Narendra M. , Ghate Hemant V. 
Published: January 2018

Cyrtonops punctipennis White, 1853 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is being reported from three different localities for the first time from Maharashtra, India. The species has been described briefly with photographic illustrations showing important diagnostic characters. A brief description of male genitalia is also included along with illustrations.
<b>A new sight record and range extension of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel <I>Ratufa macroura dandolena</I> (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Eastern Ghats of southern peninsular India</b>
Authors: Vimalraj Sivangnanaboopathidoss , Raman Kothandapani , Reddy Damodar Atmavadan , Harikrishnan Bakthavachalam , Krishnakumar Bawa Mothilal , Selvan Kanagaraj Muthamizh 
Published: January 2018

On our visit to the Durgai Amman shrine on 09 June 2016, we came across a pair of Grizzled Giant Squirrels on a tamarind tree, which leaped away when we approached (79.298960E & 12.176150N). We had photographed an individual before it disappeared among the trees. The sighting of the Grizzled Giant Squirrels was surprising as it had previously not been recorded; further, the forest isn’t contiguous with an earlier record of Sathanur Dam.
Prevalence of Calcification in Human Femoropopliteal Arteries and its Association with Demographics, Risk Factors, and Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Kamenskiy Alexey , Poulson William , Sim Sylvie , Reilly Austin , Luo Jiangtao , MacTaggart Jason 
Published: January 2018

Objective—
Arterial calcification and stiffening increase the risk of reconstruction failure, amputation, and mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease, but underlying mechanisms and prevalence are unclear.

Approach and Results—
Fresh human femoropopliteal arteries were obtained from n=431 tissue donors aged 13 to 82 years (mean age, 53±16 years) recording the in situ longitudinal prestretch. Arterial diameter, wall thickness, and opening angles were measured optically, and stiffness was assessed using planar biaxial extension and constitutive modeling. Histological features were determined using transverse and longitudinal Verhoeff–Van Gieson and Alizarin stains. Medial calcification was quantified using a 7-stage grading scale and was correlated with structural and mechanical properties and clinical characteristics. Almost half (46%) of the femoropopliteal arteries had identifiable medial calcification. Older arteries were more calcified, but small calcium deposits were observed in arteries as young as 18 years old. After controlling for age, positive correlations were observed between calcification, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body mass index. Tobacco use demonstrated a negative correlation. Calcified arteries were larger in diameter but had smaller circumferential opening angles. They were also stiffer longitudinally and circumferentially and had thinner tunica media and external elastic lamina with more discontinuous elastic fibers.

Conclusions—
Although aging is the dominant risk factor for femoropopliteal artery calcification and stiffening, these processes seem to be linked and can begin at a young age. Calcification is associated with the presence of certain risk factors and with elastic fiber degradation, suggesting overlapping molecular pathways that require further investigation.
Cell Type–Specific Contributions of the Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor to Aorta Homeostasis and Aneurysmal Disease—Brief Report
Authors: Galatioto Josephine , Caescu Cristina I. , Hansen Jens , Cook Jason R. , Miramontes Irving , Iyengar Ravi , Ramirez Francesco 
Published: January 2018

Objective—

Two were the aims of this study: first, to translate whole-genome expression profiles into computational predictions of functional associations between signaling pathways that regulate aorta homeostasis and the activity of angiotensin II type 1a receptor (At1ar) in either vascular endothelial or smooth muscle cells; and second, to characterize the impact of endothelial cell– or smooth muscle cell–specific At1ar disruption on the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm in fibrillin-1 hypomorphic (

Fbn1
mgR/mgR

) mice, a validated animal model of early onset progressively severe Marfan syndrome.

Approach and Results—

Cdh5-Cre
and
Sm22-Cre
transgenic mice were used to inactivate the At1ar-coding gene (
Agt1ar
) in either intimal or medial cells of both wild type and Marfan syndrome mice, respectively. Computational analyses of differentially expressed genes predicted dysregulated signaling pathways of cell survival and matrix remodeling in
Agt1ar

Cdh5
−/−

aortas and of cell adhesion and contractility in
Agt1ar

Sm22
−/−

aortas. Characterization of

Fbn1
mgR/mgR
;Agt1ar

Cdh5
−/−

mice revealed increased median survival associated with mitigated aneurysm growth and media degeneration, as well as reduced levels of phosphorylated (p-) Erk1/2 but not p-Smad2. By contrast, levels of both p-Erk1/2 and p-Smad2 proteins were normalized in

Fbn1
mgR/mgR
;Agt1ar

Sm22
−/−

aortas in spite of them showing no appreciable changes in thoracic aortic aneurysm pathology.

Conclusions—
Physiological At1ar signaling in the intimal and medial layers is associated with distinct regulatory processes of aorta homeostasis and function; improper At1ar activity in the vascular endothelium is a significant determinant of thoracic aortic aneurysm development in Marfan syndrome mice.