bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Be Clear on Cancer’: the impact of the UK National Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign
Authors: Peacock O. , Clayton S. , Atkinson F. , Tierney G. M. , Lund J. N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe National Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign (‘Be Clear on Cancer’) was launched by the UK government in January 2012, encouraging people with bowel symptoms to present to primary care. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the campaign on colorectal services in secondary care.MethodSuspected cancer 2‐week‐wait (2WW) patients 3 months before and 3 months after the launch of the campaign were included. Demographics, reason for referral, investigations performed, cost analysis and eventual diagnoses were collected.ResultsThree hundred and forty‐three patients [median age 70 (36–100) years, 194 (57%) women] were seen and investigated in the 3 months prior to the launch of the campaign at an average cost of £575 per patient. Twenty‐seven (8%) were diagnosed with lower gastrointestinal cancer and 29 (8%) with polyps. In the 3 months following the launch, 544 patients [median age 68 (30–92) years, 290 (53%) women] were reviewed (59% increase; P = 0.004). The ‘did not attend’ rate fell from 10% to 1%. Thirty‐two (6%) patients were diagnosed with a lower gastrointestinal cancer and 20 (4%) with colorectal polyps. The cost per colorectal cancer detected rose from £7585.58 before the campaign to £9662.72 after launch (P = 0.04).ConclusionThe ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign has substantially increased the number of referrals under the 2WW rule, but mainly in the worried well. This has increased demands on both resources (59% more tests) and finance. Cost per cancer detected rose by 27% with no increase in funding to support the increased activity.
Aseptic Bursaphelenchus xylophilus does not reduce the mortality of young pine tree
Authors: Zhao H. , Chen C. , Liu S. , Liu P. , Liu Q. , Jian H. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryTo assess the role of bacteria in pine wilt disease (PWD), aseptic M form (with a mucronated tail) and R form (with a round tail) of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus were obtained and compared, in terms of reproduction and pathogenicity, with non‐aseptic nematode. In addition, bacteria isolated from non‐aseptic nematodes and pine trees inoculated with non‐aseptic nematodes were identified. The results indicated that the bacteria associated with nematodes significantly lowered the reproduction of R form of B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus. Both the non‐aseptic and aseptic R forms of B. xylophilus induced death in all infected 7‐ to 8‐year‐old pine trees, while the non‐aseptic and aseptic M forms of B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus caused almost no plant mortality. High numbers of the non‐aseptic and aseptic R forms of B. xylophilus were distributed throughout the inoculated trees, while B. mucronatus and M form of B. xylophilus nematodes were lower in number and their distribution in stems limited within the inoculation site. Bacteria isolated from non‐aseptic nematodes were not recovered from the pine trees inoculated with these same kinds of nematodes. Two species of bacteria were both isolated from non‐aseptic B. mucronatus and from R form of B. xylophilus. Microbacterium trichotecenolyticum was common to both the control and inoculated pine trees. These results suggest that R form of B. xylophilus is the causal agent of PWD and that bacteria cannot increase the virulence of B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus.
Sleep: a synchrony of cell activity‐driven small network states
Authors: Krueger James M. , Huang Yanhua H. , Rector David M. , Buysse Daniel J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe posit a bottom‐up sleep‐regulatory paradigm in which state changes are initiated within small networks as a consequence of local cell activity. Bottom‐up regulatory mechanisms are prevalent throughout nature, occurring in vastly different systems and levels of organization. Synchronization of state without top‐down regulation is a fundamental property of large collections of small semi‐autonomous entities. We posit that such synchronization mechanisms are sufficient and necessary for whole‐organism sleep onset. Within the brain we posit that small networks of highly interconnected neurons and glia, for example cortical columns, are semi‐autonomous units oscillating between sleep‐like and wake‐like states. We review evidence showing that cells, small networks and regional areas of the brain share sleep‐like properties with whole‐animal sleep. A testable hypothesis focused on how sleep is initiated within local networks is presented. We posit that the release of cell activity‐dependent molecules, such as ATP and nitric oxide, into the extracellular space initiates state changes within the local networks where they are produced. We review mechanisms of ATP induction of sleep‐regulatory substances and their actions on receptor trafficking. Finally, we provide an example of how such local metabolic and state changes provide mechanistic explanations for clinical conditions, such as insomnia.
Realization and Multiple Realization, Chicken and Egg
Authors: Polger Thomas W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA common view is that the truth of multiple realization—e.g., about psychological states—entails the truth of functionalism. This is supposed to follow because what is multiply realized is eo ipso realized. I argue that view is mistaken by demonstrating how it misrepresents arguments from multiple realization. In particular, it undermines the empirical component of the arguments, and renders the multiplicity of the realization irrelevant. I suggest an alternative reading of multiple realizability arguments, particularly in philosophy of psychology. And I explain the proper way to understand the relation between realization and multiple realization.
On the Meaning of Alarm Calls: A Review of Functional Reference in Avian Alarm Calling
Authors: Gill Sharon A. , Bierema Andrea M.‐K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA long‐standing question in animal communication is whether signals reveal intrinsic properties of the signaller or extrinsic properties of its environment. Alarm calls, one of the most conspicuous components of antipredator behaviour, intuitively would appear to reflect internal states of the signaller. Pioneering research in primates and fowl, however, demonstrated that signallers may produce unique alarm calls during encounters with different types of predators, suggesting that signallers through selective production of alarm calls provide to conspecific receivers information about predators in the environment. In this article, we review evidence for such ‘functional reference’ in the alarm calls of birds based on explicit tests of two criteria proposed in Macedonia & Evans’ (Ethology 93, 1993, 177) influential conceptual framework: (1) that unique alarm calls are given to specific predator categories, and (2) that alarm calls isolated from contextual information elicit antipredator responses from receivers similar to those produced during actual predator encounters. Despite the importance of research on birds in development of the conceptual framework and the ubiquity of alarm calls in birds, evidence for functionally referential alarm calls in this clade is limited to six species. In these species, alarm calls are associated with the type of predator encountered as well as variation in hunting behaviour; with defence of reproductive effort in addition to predators of adults; with age‐related changes in predation risk; and with strong fitness benefits. Our review likely underestimates the occurrence of functional reference in avian alarm calls, as incomplete application and testing of the conceptual framework has limited our understanding. Throughout, therefore, we suggest avian taxa for future studies, as well as additional questions and experimental approaches that would strengthen our understanding of the meaning of functional reference in avian alarm calls.
Tobacco smoke–induced skin pigmentation is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Nakamura Motoki , Ueda Yukiko , Hayashi Mai , Kato Hiroshi , Furuhashi Takuya , Morita Akimichi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIt is widely recognized that tobacco smoke causes skin pigmentation. No studies, however, have directly evaluated the mechanisms of the changes in smoker's skin pigmentation. In this study, when cultured with water‐soluble tobacco smoke extract, the human epidermal melanocytes grew to a large size and produced more melanins. We evaluated melanocyte activation by quantifying microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. MITF expression was significantly and dose‐dependently increased by exposure to tobacco smoke extract. The Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway seemed to mediate the tobacco smoke extract–induced melanocyte activation. Immunocytochemical studies revealed that the activated melanocytes actively expressed aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) around the nuclear membrane. The tobacco smoke extract–induced MITF activation was inhibited by RNA silencing of the AhR. This study provides the evidence that tobacco smoke enhances pigmentation in vitro and that the increase in pigmentation may involve β‐catenin‐ and AhR‐mediated mechanisms inside human melanocytes.
Experimental study on mechanical properties and fracture toughness of structural thick plate and its butt weld along thickness and at low temperatures
Authors: Wang Y. Q. , Liu X. Y. , Hu Z. W. , Shi Y. J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe thick plate induces the variation of mechanical properties and fracture toughness, especially in cold regions. At the low temperature, the brittle behaviour of steel becomes worse. A series of tests (such as uniaxial tensile test and three‐point bending test) were carried out at low temperature to investigate the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of structural steel plates of Q345B with thickness of 60 to 150 mm, as well as the fracture toughness of 150 mm thick butt welded plate. The test specimens are all manufactured from plates along thickness with small size, and the tensile test specimens included through‐thickness specimens additionally. The ductility index (percentage reduction of area) and the fracture toughness index (critical CTOD values) all decrease with the temperature decreases and the distance from plate surface increases. The results obtained in this paper provide technical basis for preventing brittle fracture of thick plate steel structures in cold regions.
Impact of vitamin D insufficiency on insulin homeostasis and beta cell function in nondiabetic male HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Moreno‐Pérez O , Portilla J , Escoín C , Alfayate R , Reus S , Merino E , Boix V , Bernabeu A , Giner L , Mauri M , Sánchez‐Paya J , Picó A 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesVitamin D is thought to play a role in glucose homeostasis and beta cell function. Our aim was to examine the impact of plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] upon in vivo insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in HIV‐infected male patients without diabetes.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out involving a cohort of HIV‐infected patients undergoing regular assessment in a tertiary hospital. Eighty‐nine patients [mean (± standard deviation) age 42 ± 8 years] were included in the study: 14 patients were antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve, while 75 were on ART. Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) was defined as 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L; insulin sensitivity was determined using a 2‐h continuous infusion of glucose model assessment with homeostasis (CIGMA‐HOMA), using the trapezoidal model to calculate the incremental insulin and glucose areas under the curve (AUCins and AUGglu, respectively). Beta cell function was assessed using the disposition index (DI). Abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1‐H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed.ResultsVDI was associated with insulin resistance (IR), as indicated by a higher CIGMA‐HOMA index (odds ratio 1.1) [1.01–1.2]. This association was independent of the main confounders, such as age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage, ART, lipodystrophy, body mass index, VAT:subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio and HTGC, as confirmed by multivariate analysis (B = 12.3; P = 0.01; r2 = 0.7). IR in patients with VDI was compensated by an increase in insulin response. However, beta cell function was lower in the VDI subpopulation (33% decrease in DI).ConclusionsVDI in nondiabetic HIV‐positive male patients is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and a decrease in pancreatic beta cell function.
Incorporation of Migrant Students Returning From the United States to High Schools in Mexico
Authors: Bazán‐Ramirez Aldo , Galván‐Zariñana Gabriela 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to identify the difficulties faced by the Mexican migrant students when incorporated into the Mexican education system after having studied in the United States of America. Thirty migrant middle school students, two principals, two social workers and one teacher participated in the study. The study (conducted in two phases) collected information regarding: school admission, adjustment to the school organization, adaptation to learning situations and the perception of school belonging.The main problems found during the admission and enrolment procedures in Mexican schools are: language use, diagnostic assessment, didactic processes that take place in the classroom, complementary support activities, grade repetition, very little family involvement and the separation of the students from their migrant parents.
C‐reactive protein and leucocyte counts drop faster using the HeartShield® device in patients with DSWI
Authors: Lindstedt Sandra , Malmsjö Malin , Ingemansson Richard 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRight ventricular heart rupture is a devastating complication associated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cardiac surgery. The use of a rigid barrier disc (HeartShield™) has been suggested to offer protection against this lethal complication by preventing the heart from being drawn up by the negative pressure and damaged by the sharp sternum bone edges. Seven patients treated with conventional NPWT and seven patients treated with NPWT with a protective barrier disc (HeartShield) were compared with regard to bacterial clearance and infection parameters including C‐reactive protein levels and leucocyte counts. C‐reactive protein levels and leucocyte counts dropped faster and bacterial clearance occurred earlier in the HeartShield® group compared with the conventional NPWT group. Negative biopsy cultures were shown after 3·1 ± 0·4 NPWT dressing changes in the HeartShield group, and after 5·4 ± 0·6 NPWT dressing changes in the conventional NPWT group (P < 0·001). All patients were followed up with clinical check‐up after 3 months. None of the patients in the HeartShield group had any signs of reinfection such as deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) or sternal fistulas, whereas in the conventional NPWT group, two patients had signs of sternal fistulas that demanded hospitalisation. HeartShield hinders the right ventricle to come into contact with the sharp sternal edges during NPWT and thereby protects from heart damage. This study shows that using HeartShield is beneficial in treating patients with DSWI. Improved wound healing by HeartShield may be a result of the efficient drainage of wound effluents from the thoracic cavity.
Establishment of a novel rat model for deep tissue injury deterioration
Authors: Sari Yunita , Minematsu Takeo , Huang Lijuan , Noguchi Hiroshi , Mori Taketoshi , Nakagami Gojiro , Nagase Takashi , Oe Makoto , Sugama Junko , Yoshimura Kotaro , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDeep tissue injuries (DTIs) can become significant problems because of their rapid deterioration into deep pressure ulcers. Presently, no animal model of DTI deterioration has been developed. By concentrating pressure and shear stress in deep tissues while minimising pressure and shear stress in the overlying skin, we produced an effective rat model of DTI deterioration. Two‐dimensional finite element method (FEM) simulated the distribution of pressure and shear stress under several pressure‐loading conditions. FEM showed that concentrated shear stress in deep tissue with minimum shear stress in the overlying skin could be created by using a prominence and a cushion, respectively. On the basis of the results of FEM analysis, we selected suitable conditions for testing the rat DTI deterioration model. The compressed area was macroscopically observed until day 13, and histopathologic analysis via haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed on days 3, 7 and 13. H&E staining showed that the distribution of tissue damage was similar to the predicted FEM results. Deep ulceration and tissue damage extending from deep tissues to the overlying skin and surrounding tissues were observed in the DTI deterioration model, which are similar to the clinical manifestations of DTI deterioration. In conclusion, a representative DTI deterioration model was established by concentrating high shear stress in deep tissues while minimising shear stress in the overlying skin. This model will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms behind DTI deterioration and the development of preventative strategies.
Clinical aspects of the use of dental adhesive materials in patients with chronic xerostomia
Authors: Bogucki Zdzislaw Artur 
Published: May 2013

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00659.x

Clinical aspects of the use of dental adhesive materials in patients with chronic xerostomia
Adhesives are commonly used by denture wearers to increase the retention and stability of the complete denture, to improve the chewing and masticatory abilities and to psychologically support the patient to make the complete denture more acceptable. Denture fixatives can be especially recommended for use and to aid retention for patients with dryness of the mouth, poor secretion of saliva and xerostomia (e.g. diabetes mellitus). Dental adhesives may be contaminated with bacteria, yeast and fungi during the manufacturing process, and they have been shown to initiate and promote microbial growth. Some products have been shown to release formaldehyde, which is cytotoxic to cell culture and fibroblasts and is a potent allergen. Patients with chronic xerostomia may use denture adhesives during the course of the treatment and disease. These patients are often immunocompromised, and microorganisms they are exposed to must be considered potential pathogens.
Inhibition of CK2α down‐regulates Notch1 signalling in lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Shulin , Long Hao , Yang Yi‐Lin , Wang Yucheng , Hsieh David , Li Weiming , Au Alfred , Stoppler Hubert J. , Xu Zhidong , Jablons David M. , You Liang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractProtein kinase CK2 is frequently elevated in a variety of human cancers. The Notch1 signalling pathway has been implicated in stem cell maintenance and its aberrant activation has been shown in several types of cancer including lung cancer. Here, we show, for the first time, that CK2α is a positive regulator of Notch1 signalling in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299. We found that Notch1 protein level was reduced after CK2α silencing. Down‐regulation of Notch1 transcriptional activity was demonstrated after the silencing of CK2α in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, small‐molecule CK2α inhibitor CX‐4945 led to a dose‐dependent inhibition of Notch1 transcriptional activity. Conversely, forced overexpression of CK2α resulted in an increase in Notch1 transcriptional activity. Finally, the inhibition of CK2α led to a reduced proportion of stem‐like CD44 + /CD24− cell population. Thus, we report that the inhibition of CK2α down‐regulates Notch1 signalling and subsequently reduces a cancer stem‐like cell population in human lung cancer cells. Our data suggest that CK2α inhibitors may be beneficial to the lung cancer patients with activated Notch1 signalling.
A G matrix analogue to capture the cumulative effects of nongenetic inheritance
Authors: Townley S. , Ezard T. H. G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe genetic variance‐covariance (G) matrix describes the variances and covariances of genetic traits under strict genetic inheritance. Genetically expressed traits often influence trait expression in another via nongenetic forms of transmission and inheritance, however. The importance of non‐genetic influences on phenotypic evolution is increasingly clear, but how genetic and nongenetic inheritance interact to determine the response to selection is not well understood. Here, we use the ‘reachability matrix’ – a key analytical tool of geometric control theory – to integrate both forms of inheritance, capturing how the consequences of generation‐lagged maternal effects accumulate. Building on the classic Lande and Kirkpatrick model that showed how nongenetic (maternal) inheritance fundamentally alters the expected path of phenotypic evolution, we make novel inferences through decomposition of the reachability matrix. In particular, we quantify how nongenetic inheritance affects the distribution (orientation and shape) of ellipses of phenotypic change and how these distributions influence subsequent evolution. This interweaving of phenotypic means and variances accumulates generation by generation and is described analytically by the reachability matrix, which acts as an analogue ofGwhen genetic and nongenetic inheritance both act.
Work in an intermediate unit: balancing between relational, practical and moral care
Authors: Johannessen Anne‐Kari , Werner Anne , Steihaug Sissel 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the activities carried out and the conditions required to enable satisfactory work in an intermediate unit for patients aged 60 and older.BackgroundIn recent years, several intermediate units have been established to improve the clinical pathway from hospital to home for older patients.DesignQualitative study.MethodsData were obtained from interviews with eight patients and 16 healthcare providers working in the unit and from observations in six multidisciplinary meetings and six report meetings in the unit. Transcripts of interviews and field notes were analysed using a method for systematic text condensation.ResultsCare performed as a balance between relational, practical and moral aspects seems to be important to render good service to patients and to ensure the providers’ job satisfaction. Most patients experienced their stay in the unit as positive. The providers highlighted ‘suitable patients’, an appropriate physical environment and communicating computer systems as significant factors for performing treatment and for providing nursing and rehabilitation in a caring manner.ConclusionsWhen environmental and organisational conditions exert pressure on the working situation, care as a practical activity seems to be prioritised at the expense of the two other aspects. The findings indicate that unfavourable environmental and organisational conditions impede patients' recovery process and thereby a good clinical pathway.Relevance to clinical practiceTo recruit, support and retain a multidisciplinary staff to the best interest of patients, it seems to be important to perform care work as a balance between relational, practical and moral activities.