bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis B e‐antigen negative patients with chronic hepatitis B using routine parameters
Authors: Wang Yan , Xu Ming‐Yi , Zheng Rui‐Dan , Xian Jian‐Chun , Xu Hong‐Tao , Shi Jun‐Ping , Li Shi‐Bo , Qu Ying , Dong Yu‐Wei , Lu Lun‐Gen 
Published: September 2012

AimAs liver biopsy has considerable limitations in the assessment of liver fibrosis, non‐invasive models have achieved great progress in the past. However, many tests consist of variables that are not readily available, and there are few data about patients with hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to develop a model using routine data to predict liver fibrosis in HBeAg negative CHB patients.MethodsWe randomly divided 349 patients who underwent liver biopsy into training (n = 200) and validation (n = 149) sets. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver–operator curve (ROC) analyses were used to develop a model for predicting both significant fibrosis (stages 2–4) and cirrhosis (stage 4) in the training set. The model was validated in 149 patients in comparison to FIB‐4, Forn's, S and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index indices using ROC.ResultsMultivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parameters of the model for predicting both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis included sex, age, prothrombin time, platelet count, cholesterol and γ‐glutamyltransferase. In the training set, the areas under the ROC (AUC) for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.856 and 0.956, respectively. In the validation group, the AUC for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.889 and 0.937, respectively. Using the best cut‐off values, significant fibrosis and cirrhosis can be accurately predicted in 40.9% and 91.3% of patients, respectively.ConclusionOur model can accurately predict both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis and may decrease the need of liver biopsy in a considerable proportion of patients with HBeAg negative CHB.
Understanding the causes and consequences of animal movement: a cautionary note on fitting and interpreting regression models with time‐dependent covariates
Authors: Fieberg J. , Ditmer M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryNew technologies have made it possible to simultaneously, and remotely, collect time series of animal location data along with indicators of individuals' physiological condition. These data, along with animal movement models that incorporate individual physiological and behavioural states, promise to offer new insights into determinants of animal behaviour. Care must be taken, however, when attempting to infer causal relationships from biotelemetry data. The possibility of unmeasured confounders, responsible for driving both physiological measurements and animal movement, must be considered. Further, response valuesmay be predictive of future covariate values. When this occurs, the covariate process is said to be endogenous with respect to the response variable, which has implications for both choosing statistical estimation targets and also estimators of these quantities.We explore models that attempt to relate = log(daily movement rate) to = log(average daily heart rate) using data collected from a black bear (Ursus americanus) population in Minnesota. The regression parameter forwas 0·19 and statistically different from 0 (P < 0·001) when daily measurements were assumed to be independent, but residuals were highly autocorrelated. Assuming an autoregressive model (ar(1)) for the residuals, however, resulted in a negative slope estimate (‐0·001) that was not statistically different from 0.The sensitivity of regression parameters to the assumed error structure can be explained by exploring relationships between lagged and current values ofxandyand between parameters in the independence and ar(1) models. We hypothesize that an unmeasured confounder may be responsible for the behaviour of the regression parameters. In addition, measurement error associated with daily movement rates may also play a role.Similar issues often arise in epidemiological, biostatistical and econometrics applications; directed acyclical graphs, representing causal pathways, are central to understanding potential problems (and their solutions) associated with modelling time‐dependent covariates. In addition, we suggest that incorporating lagged responses and lagged predictors as covariates may prove useful for diagnosing when and explaining why some conclusions are sensitive to model assumptions.
Effect of butorphanol on thermal nociceptive threshold in healthy pony foals
Authors: McGowan K. T. , Elfenbein J. R. , Robertson S. A. , Sanchez L. C. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyPain management is an important component of foal nursing care, and no objective data currently exist regarding the analgesic efficacy of opioids in foals.ObjectivesTo evaluate the somatic antinociceptive effects of 2 commonly used doses of intravenous (i.v.) butorphanol in healthy foals. Our hypothesis was that thermal nociceptive threshold would increase following i.v. butorphanol in a dose‐dependent manner in both neonatal and older pony foals.MethodsSeven healthy neonatal pony foals (age 1–2 weeks), and 11 healthy older pony foals (age 4–8 weeks). Five foals were used during both age periods. Treatments, which included saline (0.5 ml), butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg bwt) and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg bwt), were administered i.v. in a randomised crossover design with at least 2 days between treatments. Response variables included thermal nociceptive threshold, skin temperature and behaviour score. Data within each age period were analysed using a 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by a Holm–Sidak multiple comparison procedure if warranted.ResultsThere was a significant (P<0.05) increase in thermal threshold, relative to Time 0, following butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg bwt) administration in both age groups. No significant time or treatment effects were apparent for skin temperature. Significant time, but not treatment, effects were evident for behaviour score in both age groups.ConclusionsButorphanol (0.1 mg/kg bwt, but not 0.05 mg/kg bwt) significantly increased thermal nociceptive threshold in neonatal and older foals without apparent adverse behavioural effects.Potential relevanceButorphanol shows analgesic potential in foals for management of somatic painful conditions.
Human–Animal Interaction: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Vitztum Coley 
Published: September 2012

PURPOSE:  A concept analysis was performed on human–animal interaction (HAI).DATA SOURCE:  Nursing, psychology, and behavioral sciences literature.DATA SYNTHESIS:  Uses and definitions associated with HAI were used to articulate the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Model, borderline, and contrary cases were developed.CONCLUSIONS:  HAI is operationally defined.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:  Including HAI as a health promotion behavior, within a theoretical framework, appears to be a promising intervention and may be linked to physical activity.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Functional Health Pattern Assessment Screening Tool (FHPAST)
Authors: Jones Dorothy , Duffy Mary E. , Flanagan Jane , Foster Frances 
Published: September 2012

PURPOSE:  To report findings of psychometric testing of the Functional Health Pattern Screening Tool (FHPAST).METHODS:  Psychometric evaluation including internal consistency and principal components analysis.FINDINGS:  The findings indicate that the FHPAST is a reliable, three‐component, 57‐item valid instrument.CONCLUSIONS:  Psychometric testing supports the use of the FHPAST in research. The instrument captures each of the 11 functional health patterns as described by Gordon (1994) and has been translated into, and is available in, several languages.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:  Continued testing and refinement is needed across populations to support the findings from this investigation and to evaluate the outcomes of patient‐centered interventions over time.
Smoking initiation and personal characteristics of secondary students in Hong Kong
Authors: Tang Sze Man , Loke Alice Yuen 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo explore the relationship between personal characteristics and smoking initiation among adolescents in Hong Kong.BackgroundAdolescents have been initiating cigarette smoking at an increasing rate in recent years. Preventing tobacco use among young children has become one of the most effective strategies to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco use.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsSecondary students were recruited by convenience sampling from schools in the New Territories of Hong Kong in 2010. Questionnaires were used to collect information relating to their demographic and personal characteristics, including behavioural control, coping styles, sociability, locus of control, rebelliousness, self‐esteem, emotional distress, and intention to smoke.ResultsA total of 644 secondary students were recruited. The prevalence of having ever tried smoking was 19·4% and that of regular smoking was 3·9% among these students. The results of this study show that secondary students who were living in public housing and had lower behavioural control and higher smoking intention were more likely to have tried smoking or to be regular smokers, indicating that these factors contribute to smoking initiation among secondary students.ConclusionsThe personal characteristics of secondary students do play a role in smoking initiation. Parents and school personnel should work together to help young people to improve their self‐esteem and behavioural control and to overcome their rebelliousness. The causes of smoking intention should also be explored to stop young people from picking up their first cigarette.
Characterization of Freshwater Diatom Communities: Comparing Taxonomic and Genetic‐Fingerprinting Approaches
Authors: Morin Soizic , Roubeix Vincent , Batisson Isabelle , Winterton Peter , Pesce Stéphane 
Published: September 2012

Benthic diatom assemblages from five sampling sites located on two rivers were characterized simultaneously by means of traditional microscopic observations and PCR‐DGGE fingerprinting with primers specifically designed for Bacillariophyceae. Community structure, richness, and diversity assessed by both methods were compared. Diatom lists obtained from morphological identification were separated into subsets, depending on (i) the taxonomic level considered (genus, species, variety) and, for each of them, (ii) the relative abundance (RA) of each component (the whole data set, RA > 1%, RA > 2%). These data were then compared to genetic fingerprinting data. Clusters based on taxonomic composition and DGGE banding patterns were very similar, showing good correspondence of community structure between the two methods. Data were compared by linear regressions between indices (richness, diversity) and by Mantel tests on dissimilarity matrices generated for each community composition data set. Statistical analysis indicated that the most reliable correlations with fingerprinting were obtained for genera representing more than 1% RA or species representing more than 2% RA. The results reveal that the PCR‐DGGE protocol described here offers a satisfactory alternative for performing preliminary screening of coarse differences in diatom global community structure between samples. It can be regarded as a good complement to taxonomic analyses, which still remain necessary to detect precise changes in richness and diversity, especially when considering species with low abundance in natural assemblages.
Exercise Training‐Enhanced, Endothelium‐Dependent Dilation Mediated by Altered Regulation of BKCa Channels in Collateral‐Dependent Porcine Coronary Arterioles
Authors: Xie Wei , Parker Janet L. , Heaps Cristine L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTest the hypothesis that exercise training increases the contribution of BKCa channels to endothelium‐mediated dilation in coronary arterioles from collateral‐dependent myocardial regions of chronically occluded pig hearts and may function downstream of H2O2.MethodsAn ameroid constrictor was placed around the proximal left circumflex coronary artery to induce gradual occlusion in Yucatan miniature swine. Eight weeks postoperatively, pigs were randomly assigned to sedentary or exercise training (treadmill; 14 week) regimens.ResultsExercise training significantly enhanced bradykinin‐mediated dilation in collateral‐dependent arterioles (~125 μm diameter) compared with sedentary pigs. The BKCa‐channel blocker, iberiotoxin alone or in combination with the H2O2 scavenger, polyethylene glycol catalase, reversed exercise training‐enhanced dilation in collateral‐dependent arterioles. Iberiotoxin‐sensitive whole‐cell K+ currents (i.e., BKCa‐channel currents) were not different between smooth muscle cells of nonoccluded and collateral‐dependent arterioles of sedentary and exercise trained groups.ConclusionsThese data provide evidence that BKCa‐channel activity contributes to exercise training‐enhanced endothelium‐dependent dilation in collateral‐dependent coronary arterioles despite no change in smooth muscle BKCa‐channel current. Taken together, our findings suggest that a component of the bradykinin signaling pathway, which stimulates BKCa channels, is enhanced by exercise training in collateral‐dependent arterioles and suggest a potential role for H2O2 as the mediator.
Heterologous assembly of type IV pili by a type II secretion system reveals the role of minor pilins in assembly initiation
Authors: Cisneros David A. , Pehau‐Arnaudet Gerard , Francetic Olivera 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIn Gram‐negative bacteria, type IV pilus assembly (T4PS) and type II secretion (T2SS) systems polymerize inner membrane proteins called major pilins or pseudopilins respectively, into thin filaments. Four minor pilins are required in both systems for efficient fibre assembly. Escherichia coli K‐12 has a set of T4PS assembly genes that are silent under standard growth conditions. We studied the heterologous assembly of the E. coli type IV pilin PpdD by the Klebsiella oxytoca T2SS called the Pul system. PpdD pilus assembly in this context depended on the expression of the K. oxytoca minor pseudopilin genes pulHIJK or of the E. coli minor pilin genes ppdAB‐ygdB‐ppdC. The E. coli minor pilins restored assembly of the major pseudopilin PulG in a pulHIJK mutant, but not the secretion of the T2SS substrate pullulanase. Thus, minor pilins and minor pseudopilins are functionally interchangeable in initiating major pilin assembly, further extending the fundamental similarities between the two systems. The data suggest that, in both systems, minor pilins activate the assembly machinery through a common self‐assembly mechanism. When produced together, PulG and PpdD assembled into distinct homopolymers, establishing major pilins as key determinants of pilus elongation and structure.
Association of pertussis and measles infections and immunizations with asthma and allergic sensitization in ISAAC Phase Two
Authors: Nagel Gabriele , Weinmayr Gudrun , Flohr Carsten , Kleiner Andrea , Strachan David P. ,   ISAAC Phase Two Study Group
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundPertussis and measles infection as well as vaccination have been suspected as possible mediating factors of allergic disease in childhood.MethodsBetween 1995 and 2005 cross‐sectional studies were performed in 29 centers in 21 countries. Parental questionnaires were used to collect information on allergic diseases and exposures. We analyzed data from 54,943 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 8–12 yr. A subgroup of 31,759 children was also skin prick tested (SPT) to common environmental allergens. Combined odds ratios were calculated by random effect models for meta‐analysis.ResultsPertussis and measles vaccination were not significantly associated with any of the allergy outcomes or SPT positivity. However, pertussis infection was associated with wheeze (ORad 1.68; 95% CI 1.44–1.97) and rhinoconjunctivitis (ORad 1.63; 95% 1.33–2.00). Pertussis infection was also significantly associated with a higher prevalence of reported eczema during the past year in non‐affluent countries. Measles infection was associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze (ORad 1.26; 95% 1.10–1.43) and reported eczema (ORad 1.22; 95% 1.08–1.39). No association with SPT positivity was found, suggesting that these associations are unlikely to be mediated by an allergic component.ConclusionsAssociations of pertussis and measles infection with symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema were found in both affluent and non‐affluent countries and are unlikely to be mediated by IgE.
Clinical experience with intraoperative jugular venous oximetry during pediatric intracranial neurosurgery
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Siriussawakul Arunotai , Dooney Neil , Hecker James G. , Vavilala Monica S. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAimTo report our institutional experience with intraoperative jugular venous oximetry during pediatric intracranial surgery to guide anesthetic care.BackgroundThe utility of intraoperative jugular venous oximetry in adults undergoing intracranial surgery is well known. However, there is a little information on its' application in children during intracranial surgery.MethodsAfter IRB approval, we examined patient, equipment, placement, and sampling characteristics for jugular bulb catheters in children aged <18 years who were monitored with jugular oximetry during elective intracranial surgery between 2006 and 2010. We also determined the prevalence of intraoperative cerebral desaturation (SjvO2 < 55%), its causes, and the interventions based on jugular oximetry values.ResultsData from 19 children (10 males and nine females), aged 12 ± 1 years (range 7–17) who underwent craniotomy for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) resection (68%), tumor removal (21%), or aneurysm clipping (11%), were reviewed. We analyzed 88 coincident SjvO2, PaCO2, and mean arterial pressure data points. Eleven (58%) patients experienced at least one episode of cerebral desaturation. There were 25 (28%) episodes of cerebral desaturation, six of which we attributed to relative hypotension, four to hypocarbia, and 15 to a combination of both. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative (first 24 h) complications because of jugular oximetry.ConclusionFindings from this series indicate that (i) intraoperative jugular venous oximetry in children is feasible in experienced hands, (ii) cerebral desaturation detected by jugular oximetry is common during pediatric intracranial procedures, and (iii) monitoring jugular venous saturation can impact anesthetic interventions to optimize cerebral physiology.
Information and Support Needs among Parents of Young Children in a Region of Canada: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Devolin Maureen , Phelps Dawn , Duhaney Tara , Benzies Karen , Hildebrandt Clare , Rikhy Shivani , Churchill Jocelyn 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the information and support needs among parents of young children in a region of Canada.Design and SampleA cross‐sectional survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of 1,064 parents of children aged 6 years and under. Of the 359 respondents, the majority were Caucasian, female, married, and well educated.MeasuresAn investigator designed questionnaire measured preferred sources of parenting information and support, sources and modes of program delivery, and perceived barriers to accessing information and programs.ResultsBreastfeeding, car seat safety, caring for a new baby, supporting their child's development, and sleep issues were considered “somewhat” or “very” important by 95.8% of respondents. Informal sources of support were rated as more important and more valuable than formal supports. The internet, drop‐in programs for parents and children, books, organized play groups, classes and information sessions were identified as the most preferred modes to access parenting information. Respondents reported a lack of knowledge and awareness of programs, lack of time, lack of child care, and inconvenient scheduling as the top barriers to accessing information and programs.ConclusionsParents want information to support their parenting. These results have implications for planning and implementation of future parenting information and support programs and services.
Photophysical Properties of 7‐(diethylamino)Coumarin‐3‐carboxylic Acid in the Nanocage of Cyclodextrins and in Different Solvents and Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Chatterjee Aninda , Seth Debabrata 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe photophysical properties of 7‐(diethylamino) coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acid (7‐DCCA) were studied in cyclodextrins (α, β, γ,‐CDs), different neat solvents and solvent mixtures by using steady state absorption, emission and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. We have observed that with gradual increase in concentration of β‐CD the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime decreased in a regular pattern whereas with gradual increase in concentration of γ‐CD the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime gradually increased. With addition of urea, the fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of 7‐DCCA in CDs increased. Binding constant calculation shows that 7‐DDCA forms 1:1 complex with β‐CD and with γ‐CD it forms 1:1 and 1:2 (guest:host) inclusion complex. We proposed that the dye molecule formed capping complex with β‐CD by means of hydrogen bonding and after addition of urea the hydrogen bonding network broke down and part of dye molecule entered inside the cavity of β‐CD. The photophysics of 7‐DCCA was studied in dioxane‐water mixture and ethylene glycol‐acetonitrile mixture to know the effect of polarity and viscosity of the media. The photophysics of 7‐DCCA was also studied in different neat solvents. It was found that the photophysics of 7‐DCCA depended on the structural feature of the solvents and solvent mixtures.
Tolerance to Solar Ultraviolet‐B Radiation in the Citrus Red Mite, An Upper Surface User of Host Plant Leaves
Authors: Fukaya Midori , Uesugi Ryuji , Ohashi Hirokazu , Sakai Yuta , Sudo Masaaki , Kasai Atsushi , Kishimoto Hidenari , Osakabe Masahiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPlant‐dwelling mites are potentially exposed to solar ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation that causes deleterious and often lethal effects, leading most mites to inhabit the lower (underside) leaf surfaces. However, in species of spider mite belonging to the Genus Panonychus, a substantial portion of individuals occur on upper leaf surfaces. We investigated whether the upper leaf surfaces of citrus trees are favorable for P. citri, and to what extent they are tolerant to UVB radiation. If eggs are not adequately protected from UVB damage, females may avoid ovipositing on the upper surfaces of sunny leaves. To test this, we conducted laboratory experiments using a UVB lamp, and semioutdoor manipulative experiments. As a result, P. citri eggs are tolerant to UVB. Field studies revealed that the ratio of eggs and adult females on upper leaf surfaces were larger for shaded than for sunny leaves. However, 64–89% of eggs hatched successfully even on sunny upper leaf surfaces. Nutritional evaluation revealed that whether on sunny or shaded leaves, in fecundity and juvenile development P. citri reaped the fitness benefits of upper leaf surfaces. Consequently, P. citri is tolerant to UVB damage, and inhabiting the upper surfaces of shaded leaves is advantageous to this mite.