bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between statin use and physical function among community‐dwelling older Japanese adults
Authors: Kawai Hisashi , Ihara Kazushige , Kera Takeshi , Hirano Hirohiko , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Tanaka Masashi , Kojima Motonaga , Obuchi Shuichi 
Published: December 2017

AimStatin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the muscle‐related side‐effects of statins, but the association between statin use and physical function among community‐dwelling older adults is unclear. The objective of the present study was to examine the association between statin use and physical function among community‐dwelling older Japanese adults by considering the risk factors of statin‐associated muscle symptoms.MethodsThe participants were 1022 community‐dwelling older adults aged 65–88 years, who participated in comprehensive health checkups from 2013 to 2015. Statin use in the participants (381 men and 559 women) was verified by using data from their medicine notebooks. The differences between statin use (users and non‐users) and physical functions (grip strength, knee extension torque, normal and maximum gait speed, Timed Up & Go test, one‐legged stance, quadriceps muscle thickness and echo intensity) were analyzed using the t‐test. Multiple regression analyses were also carried out to examine the association between statin use and physical function.ResultsA total of 93 men (24.4%) and 154 women (27.5%) were statin users. Grip strength, normal gait speed and one‐legged stance declined significantly in statin users compared with the non‐users. In multiple regression analysis while controlling for the risk factors of statin‐associated muscle symptoms, including age, sex, body mass index and number of medicines, no independent association, between statin use and the reduction of physical functions, was observed.ConclusionsStatin use was not associated with the decline of physical function in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 623–630.
Up‐to‐seven criteria as a useful predictor for tumor downstaging to within Milan criteria and Child–Pugh grade deterioration after initial conventional transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Kurosaki Masayuki , Takeguchi Takaya , Takeguchi Yuko , Okada Mao , Wang Wan , Kubota Yohei , Goto Tomoyuki , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Hayashi Tsuguru , Takada Hitomi , Tamaki Nobuharu , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Asahina Yasuhiro , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Himeno Yoshiro , Izumi Namiki 
Published: December 2017

AimIntermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma varies widely in tumor burden and liver function. This study aimed to clarify the importance of subclassification by the up‐to‐seven criteria in both clinical course and liver function deterioration in such patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 224 patients with Child–Pugh grade A who underwent initial transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor downstaging to within the Milan criteria within 1 year and liver function worsening as Child–Pugh grade deterioration from A to B were analyzed.ResultsThe median survival time was 35.8 months. Forty‐five patients had no recurrence within 1 year after initial TACE. Of the 179 patients with at least one recurrence within a year, 44 (25%) achieved tumor downstaging to within the Milan criteria and showed significantly longer survival than non‐downstaged ones (P = 0.02). Logistic regression univariate analysis revealed that up‐to‐seven criteria fulfillment was associated with tumor downstaging to within the Milan criteria (odds ratio 2.6; P = 0.007). The median deterioration time was 26.7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that beyond the up‐to‐seven criteria (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9; P = 0.005) was an independent factor associated with Child–Pugh grade deterioration, along with serum albumin (HR 1.54; P = 0.01), serum bilirubin (HR 1.49; P = 0.02), and prothrombin time (HR 1.54; P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe up‐to‐seven criteria had prognostic value and could predict non‐critical recurrence and maintenance of Child–Pugh grade in patients who underwent initial conventional TACE.
Gastric pyloric gland adenoma: a multicentre clinicopathological study of 67 cases
Authors: Choi Won‐Tak , Brown Ian , Ushiku Tetsuo , Yozu Masato , Setia Namrata , Srivastava Amitabh , Johncilla Melanie , Pai Rish K , Gill Ryan M , Fukayama Masashi , Misdraji Joseph , Lauwers Gregory Y 
Published: December 2017

AimsThere is limited information regarding the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of gastric pyloric gland adenomas (PGAs).Methods and resultsSixty‐seven cases of gastric PGA from 57 patients were analysed. PGAs occurred with similar frequency in men and women (47.4 and 52.6%, respectively), with a mean age of 66 years. Most presented in the gastric body/fundus (67.2%). Fifteen cases (22.4%) developed against a background of autoimmune gastritis (AIG), whereas normal mucosa was seen in 35.8%. Only 16.4% (11 cases) developed in patients with a genetic predisposition, most commonly familial adenomatous polyposis. Low‐grade lesions had a mean size of 1.5 cm, while PGAs with high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or adenocarcinoma had a mean size of 3.5 cm (P < 0.001) and more commonly showed tubulovillous architecture (50.0 versus 25.6% in low‐grade dysplasia; P = 0.040). Most PGAs (61.2%) co‐expressed mucin (MUC)5AC and MUC6 (mixed type), which was associated significantly with HGD or adenocarcinoma (P = 0.013). AIG was also associated with HGD (P = 0.027), but genetic predisposition did not correlate with the grade of dysplasia (P = 0.793). The recurrence rate of PGA was similar for high‐ (11.8%) and low‐grade lesions (7.4%) (P = 0.624).ConclusionsThe risk of HGD increases with the size of PGA, tubulovillous architecture and the presence of AIG as well as mixed immunophenotype. As the overall local recurrence rate is less than 10%, PGAs may be treated conservatively, but they should be excised completely if possible, particularly if they are large or show high‐grade features.
Effects of environmental conditions on reproductive effort and nest success of Arctic‐breeding shorebirds
Authors: Weiser Emily L. , Brown Stephen C. , Lanctot Richard B. , Gates H. River , Abraham Kenneth F. , Bentzen Rebecca L. , Bêty Joël , Boldenow Megan L. , Brook Rodney W. , Donnelly Tyrone F. , English Willow B. , Flemming Scott A. , Franks Samantha E. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Giroux Marie‐Andrée , Johnson Andrew , Kendall Steve , Kennedy Lisa V. , Koloski Laura , Kwon Eunbi , Lamarre Jean‐François , Lank David B. , Latty Christopher J. , Lecomte Nicolas , Liebezeit Joseph R. , McKinnon Laura , Nol Erica , Perz Johanna , Rausch Jennie , Robards Martin , Saalfeld Sarah T. , Senner Nathan R. , Smith Paul A. , Soloviev Mikhail , Solovyeva Diana , Ward David H. , Woodard Paul F. , Sandercock Brett K. 
Published: December 2017

The Arctic is experiencing rapidly warming conditions, increasing predator abundance, and diminishing population cycles of keystone species such as lemmings. However, it is still not known how many Arctic animals will respond to a changing climate with altered trophic interactions. We studied clutch size, incubation duration and nest survival of 17 taxa of Arctic‐breeding shorebirds at 16 field sites over 7 years. We predicted that physiological benefits of higher temperatures and earlier snowmelt would increase reproductive effort and nest survival, and we expected increasing predator abundance and decreasing abundance of alternative prey (arvicoline rodents) to have a negative effect on reproduction. Although we observed wide ranges of conditions during our study, we found no effects of covariates on reproductive traits in 12 of 17 taxa. In the remaining taxa, most relationships agreed with our predictions. Earlier snowmelt increased the probability of laying a full clutch from 0.61 to 0.91 for Western Sandpipers, and shortened incubation by 1.42 days forarcticolaDunlin and 0.77 days for Red Phalaropes. Higher temperatures increased the probability of a full clutch from 0.60 to 0.93 for Western Sandpipers and from 0.76 to 0.97 for Red‐necked Phalaropes, and increased daily nest survival rates from 0.9634 to 0.9890 for Semipalmated Sandpipers and 0.9546 to 0.9880 for Western Sandpipers. Higher abundance of predators (foxes) reduced daily nest survival rates only in Western Sandpipers (0.9821–0.9031). In contrast to our predictions, the probability of a full clutch was lowest (0.83) for Semipalmated Sandpipers at moderate abundance of alternative prey, rather than low abundance (0.90). Our findings suggest that in the short‐term, climate warming may have neutral or positive effects on the nesting cycle of most Arctic‐breeding shorebirds.
Exploring the career choices of White and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women pharmacists: a qualitative study
Authors: Howells Kelly , Bower Peter , Hassell Karen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveIn the UK, a growing number of females entering pharmacy are women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (BAME). Research shows that BAME women are more likely to work in the community sector and be self-employed locums than white women, and Asian women overrepresented in part-time, lower status roles. This study aims to explore the employment choices of white and BAME women pharmacists to see whether their diverse work patterns are the product of individual choices or other organisational factors.MethodsThis study analyses 28 qualitative interviews conducted with 18 BAME and 10 white women pharmacists. The interview schedule was designed to explore early career choices, future career aspirations and key stages in making their career decisions.Key findingsThe findings show that white and BAME women are influenced by different factors in their early career choices. Cultural preferences for self-employment and business opportunities discourage BAME women from hospital sector jobs early in their careers. Resonating with other studies, the findings show that white and BAME women face similar barriers to career progression if they work part-time.ConclusionsWomen working part-time are more likely to face workforce barriers, irrespective of ethnic origin. Cultural preferences may be preventing BAME women from entering the hospital sector. This research is important in the light of current debates about the future shape of pharmacy practice, as well as wider government policy objectives that seek to improve the working lives of health care professionals and promote racial diversity and equality in the workplace.
Emergent leadership among tenants with psychiatric disabilities living in supported housing
Authors: Piat Myra , Sabetti Judith , Padgett Deborah 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe overall aim of this study was to explore the experiences of people with psychiatric disabilities living as tenants in independent, supported apartments for the first time. Supported housing provides an alternative to structured, custodial housing models, such as foster homes, or board‐and‐care homes, for clients in public mental health systems. This article reports findings on how leadership emerged among tenants after making the transition from custodial to supported housing. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with tenants (n = 24) and included questions on their housing history, current living situation, relationships with staff, participation, and understanding or experience of leadership. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, codes generated, and a thematic analysis conducted using a constructivist approach. The findings revealed an understanding and appreciation of leadership among tenants, who identified six pathways to leadership in their housing as a response to unmet tenant needs. Most tenant leaders emerged outside of formal authority or power structures. Supported housing provides a unique social setting and empowering community where the potential of persons with psychiatric disabilities to assume leadership may be realized and further developed. Mental health professionals working in community housing networks are well placed to harness these face‐to‐face tenant communities, and their natural leaders, as an additional tool in promoting tenant recovery, mutual help, neighbourhood integration, and the broader exercise of citizenship.
(Re) thinking Emotions in Visual Education Activities: Students' Experiences
Authors: Casian Silvia , Lopes Amélia , Pereira Fátima 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on the emotions of 13 and 14 year‐old students related to visual art education activities. Our aim is to understand the interference of the students' emotions with the processes of the creation and reception of their own pictures, as well as their characteristics in an art education context. The article adopts a Vygotskian theoretical perspective about emotion and aesthetic education that refers to the biopsychological nature of emotion and its cultural determination. The need to transform emotions in art activities is stressed and the teenagers' pictures are interpreted as a means of communication. The data collection was based on questionnaires and interviews with seventh and eighth grade secondary school students. It is concluded that students' emotions are not only present in the creative process and in its result, but also that they could have a significant positive or negative impact on students' motivation and achievement behaviour in art education classes. In this context, the students' pictures, acting as stimuli, may evoke their emotions.
The Current State of Arts Education in Iran: A Case Study in Two Elementary Schools Using Educational Criticism
Authors: Nouri Ali , Farsi Soheila 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe central aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the recently revised elementary curriculum for arts education in Iran. The study employed an educational criticism method and was conducted in two elementary schools. Data were collected by observation, semi‐structured interviews and curriculum documents over a four‐month period. The research participants consisted of 12 professionals (teachers, coordinators and principals), and 30 students (8–12 year‐olds from different cultural backgrounds). According to the results of this study, the schools’ architecture and environment do not promote creativity, active participation and engagement in the learning process. The general and specific objectives, the content areas, the time allocated to the teaching of each area, teaching methods and assessment procedures have been clearly defined in the official curriculum documents for arts education. Nevertheless, the areas of painting and occasionally handcrafts are the content areas which are taught to students using direct methods of teaching and students’ performance is often evaluated by traditional tests. The study concludes that the current arts curriculum has not been successful, or not as successful as it was intended to be. The most common obstacle to effective arts teaching, however, is the lack of a place for arts within the school programme similar to that of science and mathematics. Lack of enough well‐trained teachers with an educational background in arts education is another obstacle that needs to be addressed in future revisions of the curriculum.
Mind, Language and Artworks as Real Constraints on Students' Critical Reasoning about Meaning in Art
Authors: Maras Karen Elizabeth 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo engage in discussions of artwork meaning is to engage in critical reasoning, a factor that is central to the interpretation of artworks in the art classroom. While this may appear as a common‐sense claim that reflects the tacit assumptions most art educators have about students' critical dispositions in art, it is also evident that little is known about the deeper structures underlying students’ critical reasoning and how such structures shape students’ interpretations of artworks. Drawing on my research on students’ theories of critical meaning in art, this article explores the nature of practical and theoretical constraints on students’ critical reasoning about the meaning of artworks. I account for how intentional beliefs, language and representational artefacts function as a nexus of real constraints that condition students’ advance into interpretations of the social meaning of art. After briefly outlining the design and methodology of my study, I examine students’ critical reasoning performances during the formative period of development between middle to late childhood. The findings reveal that with increasing age students gradually learn to exercise their own critical intentions and represent inferences that acknowledge the significance of constitutive rules and force of a collective intentionality in the artworld on their interpretations of artworks as artefacts. I then make some conclusions about the relationship of domain‐specific shifts in art understanding, the role of intentionality, representational understanding, beliefs about art and reasoning skills to the linguistic, theoretical and artefactual constraints conditioning students’ intuitive advance into real understandings of art.
The role of stranger harassment experiences in college women's perceived possibility of gender crimes happening to them
Authors: Donnelly Lois C. , Calogero Rachel M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe present study examined the relation between stranger harassment experiences and college women's perceived possibility of gender and nongender crimes happening to them. Undergraduate women attending a British university completed self‐report measures of stranger harassment and self‐objectification (i.e., self‐surveillance and body shame), and then evaluated four vignettes of various crimes on the severity of the crime and the likelihood of the crime happening to them. Results indicated that stranger harassment is a common experience for these British university women. Serial mediation analyses revealed a direct effect of stranger harassment on perceived likelihood of rape and perceived likelihood of intimate partner violence, and an indirect effect of stranger harassment on rape through self‐surveillance, whereas stranger harassment and indices of self‐objectification were unrelated to perceived likelihood of human trafficking and burglary. Discussion is centered on the role of objectifying experiences in perceptions of gender crimes where sexual and physical harm to women's bodies is emphasized, and the potential impact for those women on the receiving end of unwanted sexual objectification.
Crowdsourcing Last Mile Delivery: Strategic Implications and Future Research Directions
Authors: Castillo Vincent E. , Bell John E. , Rose William J. , Rodrigues Alexandre M. 
Published: December 2017

The rise of e‐commerce over the past 20 years has created an increased need for responsive omnichannel distribution to meet the last mile challenge. Some companies are experimenting with the use of the sharing economy business model to augment distribution strategies. The use of so‐called “Crowdsourced Logistics” (CSL) is becoming more prevalent in practice, but the role in logistics strategy of this new phenomenon has not been thoroughly investigated and understood. Using a contingency theory lens, this research contributes a nascent understanding of howCSLperforms in terms of logistics effectiveness by simulating same‐day delivery services from a distribution center to 1,000 customer locations throughout New York City under dynamic market conditions and by comparing the results to those of a traditional dedicated fleet of delivery drivers. The findings are analyzed to suggest how firms may find strategic benefit usingCSL. An agenda for future research is provided to explore these strategic implications and to deepen knowledge about theCSLphenomenon.
Effect of lysyl oxidase (LOX) on corpus cavernous fibrosis caused by ischaemic priapism
Authors: Gao Liang , Wu Changjing , Fu Fudong , You Xuanhe , Ma Xue , Qin Feng , Li Tao , Wang Run , Yuan Jiuhong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPenile fibrosis caused by ischemic priapism (IP) adversely affects patients’ erectile function. We explored the role of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in rat and human penes after ischemic priapism (IP) to verify the effects of anti‐LOX in relieving penile fibrosis and preventing erectile dysfunction caused by IP in rats. Seventy‐two rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, control + β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN) group, 9 hrs group, 9 hrs + BAPN group, 24 hrs group, and 24 hrs + BAPN group. β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN), a specific inhibitor of LOX, was administered in the drinking water. At 1 week and 4 weeks, half of the rats in each group were randomly selected for the experiment. Compared to the control group, the erectile function of IP rats was significantly decreased while the expression of LOX in the corpus cavernosum was significantly up‐regulated in both 9 and 24 hrs group. Proliferated fibroblasts, decreased corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells/collagen ratios, destroyed endothelial continuity, deposited abnormal collagen and disorganized fibers were observed in IP rats. The relative content of collage I and III was not obviously different among the groups. β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN) could effectively improve the structure and erectile function of the penis, and enhance recovery. The data in this study suggests that LOX may play an important role in the fibrosis of corpus cavernosum after IP and anti‐LOX may be a novel target for patients suffering with IP.
Monotropein promotes angiogenesis and inhibits oxidative stress‐induced autophagy in endothelial progenitor cells to accelerate wound healing
Authors: Wang Chenggui , Mao Cong , Lou Yiting , Xu Jianxiang , Wang Qingqing , Zhang Zengjie , Tang Qian , Zhang Xiaolei , Xu Huazi , Feng Yongzeng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAttenuating oxidative stress‐induced damage and promoting endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) differentiation are critical for ischaemic injuries. We suggested monotropein (Mtp), a bioactive constituent used in traditional Chinese medicine, can inhibit oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and stimulate bone marrow‐derived EPC (BM‐EPC) differentiation. Results showed Mtp significantly elevated migration and tube formation of BM‐EPCs and prevented tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐induced programmed cell death through apoptosis and autophagy by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species release and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, which may be mediated viamTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 and AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, Mtp accelerated wound healing in rats, as indicated by reduced healing times, decreased macrophage infiltration and increased blood vessel formation. In summary, Mtp promoted mobilization and differentiation of BM‐EPCs and protected against apoptosis and autophagy by suppressing the AMPK/mTOR pathway, improving wound healing in vivo. This study revealed that Mtp is a potential therapeutic for endothelial injury‐related wounds.