bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients with diabetes as the primary kidney disease have a worse survival than patients with comorbid diabetes in chronic haemodialysis patients
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chih , Chou Che‐Yi , Hsiao Yi‐Tzone , Liang Chih‐Chia , Kuo Huey‐Liang , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Liu Jiung‐Hsiun , Wang I‐Kuan , Huang Chiu‐Ching 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimDiabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that requires dialysis. It is not clear if survival of patients with diabetes as primary kidney disease (DKD) is different from the survival of patients with diabetes as comorbidity (DCM). We investigated the survival of patients with DKD and patients with DCM in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) using propensity score matching approach.MethodsAll patients on maintenance HD in Taiwan Renal Registry Database from 1997 to 2005 were analyzed and were prospectively followed to 31 December 2008. Patients' survival was determined using Cox proportional‐hazards regression.ResultsWe analyzed the survival of 2632 patients with DCM and 13 160 matched patients with DKD. The first year mortality rate was 11.9% in patients with DCM and 13.9% in patients with DKD. The incidence density rate of overall mortality was 11.2 per 100 patient‐years in patients with DCM and 12.9 in patients with DKD. Patients with DKD had a worse survival than patients with DCM (P < 0.01). Compared to patients with DCM, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for first year mortality was 1.27 (1.10–1.47) and the hazard ratio for overall mortality was 1.18 (1.12–1.25) in patients with DKD. Patients' age, male gender, comorbid liver cirrhosis, higher fasting blood glucose, lower haematocrit, and lower serum phosphorus were independently associated with higher mortality.ConclusionsPatients with diabetes as primary kidney disease are associated with higher first year and overall mortality, compared to patients with diabetes as comorbidity in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.
The effect of antireflux treatment on the frequency of awakenings from sleep in patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jha L. K. , Maradey‐Romero C. , Gadam R. , Hershcovici T. , Fass O. Z. , Quan S. F. , Guillen J. , Fass R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundUp to half of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients report having heartburn that awakens them from sleep during the night. Recumbent‐awake and conscious awakenings from sleep during the night are commonly associated with acid reflux events. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of esomeprazole 40 mg once daily on nighttime acid reflux, frequency of conscious awakenings associated with acid reflux and the recumbent‐awake period.MethodsPatients with heartburn and/or regurgitation at least three times a week were eligible for this study. All patients underwent upper endoscopy and were evaluated by demographic, Epworth Sleepiness scale, Berlin and GERD symptom checklist questionnaires. Subjects then underwent esophageal pH testing concomitantly with an actigraphy. All subjects were given esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for 7 days and completed a daily symptom record diary. On day 7, subjects repeated the pH test with actigraphy.Key ResultsTwenty patients (mean age of 48.95 ± 18.69, age range 20–81 years) were enrolled. Esophageal acid exposure parameters, during recumbent‐awake, recumbent‐asleep, and conscious awakenings were significantly improved on last day of treatment as compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, the frequency and duration of conscious awakenings and duration of recumbent‐awake period did not improve as compared to baseline (p > 0.05).Conclusions & InferencesWhile esomeprazole significantly reduced esophageal acid exposure during conscious awakenings and recumbent‐awake and asleep periods, it did not decrease the number and duration of conscious awakening or duration of recumbent‐awake period.
Development and pilot testing of an integrated, web‐based self‐management program for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Authors: Dorn S. D. , Palsson O. S. , Woldeghebriel M. , Fowler B. , McCoy R. , Weinberger M. , Drossman D. A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough essential, many medical practices are unable to adequately support irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient self‐management. Web‐based programs can help overcome these barriers.MethodsWe developed, assessed, and refined an integrated IBS self‐management program (IBS Self‐care). We then conducted a 12‐week pilot test to assess program utilization, evaluate its association with patients' self‐efficacy and quality of life, and collect qualitative feedback to improve the program.Key Results40 subjects with generally mild IBS were recruited via the Internet to participate in a 12‐week pilot study. Subjects found the website easy to use (93%) and personally relevant (95%), and 90% would recommend it to a friend. Self‐rated IBS knowledge increased from an average of 47.1 on a 100‐point VAS scale (SD 22.1) at baseline to 77.4 (SD: 12.4) at week 12 (p < 0.0001). There were no significant changes in patient self‐efficacy (Patient Activation Measure) or quality of life (IBS ‐Quality of Life Scale).Conclusions & InferencesThe IBS Self‐Care program was well received by users who after 12 weeks reported improved knowledge about IBS, but no significant changes in self‐efficacy or quality of life. If applied to the right population, this low cost solution can overcome some of the deficiencies of medical care and empower individuals to better manage their own IBS.
The IBO germination quantitative trait locus encodes a phosphatase 2C‐related variant with a nonsynonymous amino acid change that interferes with abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Amiguet‐Vercher Amélia , Santuari Luca , Gonzalez‐Guzman Miguel , Depuydt Stephen , Rodriguez Pedro L. , Hardtke Christian S. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Natural genetic variation is crucial for adaptability of plants to different environments. Seed dormancy prevents precocious germination in unsuitable conditions and is an adaptation to a major macro‐environmental parameter, the seasonal variation in temperature and day length.

Here we report the isolation of IBO, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that governs c. 30% of germination rate variance in an Arabidopsis recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the parental accessions Eilenburg‐0 (Eil‐0) and Loch Ness‐0 (Lc‐0).

IBO encodes an uncharacterized phosphatase 2C‐related protein, but neither the Eil‐0 nor the Lc‐0 variant, which differ in a single amino acid, have any appreciable phosphatase activity in in vitro assays. However, we found that the amino acid change in the Lc‐0 variant of the IBO protein confers reduced germination rate. Moreover, unlike the Eil‐0 variant of the protein, the Lc‐0 variant can interfere with the activity of the phosphatase 2C ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 1 in vitro.

This suggests that the Lc‐0 variant possibly interferes with abscisic acid signaling, a notion that is supported by physiological assays. Thus, we isolated an example of a QTL allele with a nonsynonymous amino acid change that might mediate local adaptation of seed germination timing.
Metabolic Acidosis in an Infant Associated with Permethrin Toxicity
Authors: Goksugur Sevil B. , Karatas Zehra , Goksugur Nadir , Bekdas Mervan , Demircioglu Fatih 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPyrethroids are broad‐spectrum insecticides. Permethrin intoxication due to topical application has not been documented in humans. We report a 20‐month‐old infant who had used 5% permethrin lotion topically for scabies treatment. Approximately 60 mL (20 mL/day) was used and after the third application he developed agitation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress, tachycardia, and metabolic acidosis. His clinical symptoms and metabolic acidosis normalized within 20 hours. His follow‐up was unremarkable. Toxicity of permethrin is rare, and although permethrin is a widely and safely used topical agent in the treatment of scabies and lice, inappropriate use may rarely cause toxicity. Moreover, in cases of unexplained metabolic acidosis, topically applied medications should be carefully investigated.
Depressive Symptoms and Walking in African‐Americans
Authors: Torres Elisa R. , Sampselle Carolyn M. , Neighbors Harold W. , Ronis David L. , Gretebeck Kimberlee A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveAlthough increased frequency of physical activity is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in African‐Americans, most studies do not focus on a specific type of activity. Identifying the activity can provide helpful information for designing interventions that focus on depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the odds of depressive symptoms in relation to walking in African‐Americans.Design and SampleA secondary analysis was performed on the National Survey of American Life. The sample was made up of community‐dwelling African‐American women (n = 1,903) and men (n = 1,075) who did not meet the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for depression.MeasuresWalking was measured by self‐reported frequency (i.e., never, rarely, sometimes, often). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Logistic regression for complex samples was used to examine the odds of depressive symptoms in relation to walking.ResultsWomen who reported often walking had lower odds for depressive symptoms than women who reported never walking (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.38–0.82). Walking frequency was not related to depressive symptoms in men.ConclusionsWalking frequency is a modifiable risk factor for elevated depressive symptoms in African‐American women.
Improved Efficiency and Stability of Flexible Dye Sensitized Solar Cells on ITO/PEN Substrates Using an Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Han Yu , Pringle Jennifer M. , Cheng Yi‐Bing 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFlexible dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) built on plastic substrates have attracted great interest as they are lightweight and can be roll‐to‐roll printed to accelerate production and reduce cost. However, plastic substrates such as PEN and PET are permeable to water, oxygen and volatile electrolyte solvents, which is detrimental to the cell stability. Therefore, to address this problem, in this work, an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte is used to replace the volatile solvent electrolyte. The initial IL‐based devices only achieved around 50% of the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the cells using the solvent electrolyte. Current‐voltage and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis of the cells in the dark indicated that this lower efficiency mainly originated from (i) a lack of blocking layer to reduce recombination, and (ii) a lower charge collection efficiency. To combat these problems, cells were developed using a 12 nm thick blocking layer, produced by atomic layer deposition, and 1 μm thick P25 TiO2 film sensitized with the hydrophobic MK‐2 dye. These flexible DSSCs utilizing an IL electrolyte exhibit significantly improved efficiencies and a <10% drop in performance after 1000 h aging at 60°C under continuous light illumination.
Maternal Age and Preterm Births in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies Conceived By In Vitro Fertilisation in the United States
Authors: Xiong Xu , Dickey Richard P. , Pridjian Gabriella , Buekens Pierre 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundAmong natural conceptions, advanced maternal age (≥35 years) is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. However, few studies have specifically examined this association in births resulting from in vitro fertilisation (IVF).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted in 97 288 singleton and 40 961 twin pregnancies resulting from fresh non‐donor IVF cycles using 2006–10 data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Online Reporting System.ResultsRates of very early preterm (<28), early preterm (<32), and preterm birth (<37 completed weeks) decreased with increasing maternal age in both singleton and twin births (PTrend <0.01). With women aged 30–34 years as the reference, those aged <30 years were at an increased risk of all types of preterm births. The adjusted odd ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for very early preterm birth, early preterm birth, and preterm birth in women aged 25–29 years were 1.3 [95% CI 1.1, 1.5], 1.2 [95% CI 1.1, 1.4], and 1.1 [95% CI 1.02, 1.2] in singletons. This increased risk of preterm births among younger women was even more significant in twin births. However, women aged ≥35 years were not at an increased risk of any type of preterm births in both singleton and twin births.ConclusionsIn contrast to natural conception, advanced maternal age is not associated with an increased risk of preterm births in pregnancies conceived by IVF. Women who seek IVF treatments before 30 years old are at higher risk of all stages of preterm births.
From Participatory Reform to Social Capital: Micro‐Motives and the Macro‐Structure of Civil Society Networks
Authors: Musso Juliet Ann , Weare Christopher 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough a wide‐ranging literature explores the favorable effects of social capital, it is only relatively recently that systematic attention has been directed to the manner in which social networks emerge and the consequent implications for civic engagement and collaborative governance. This article employs advanced social network statistical models to examine civic network emergence following a participatory reform in Los Angeles. Findings suggest that the reform fostered a number of favorable network attributes supportive of democratic participation. At the same time, subtle but ubiquitous effects of socioeconomic sorting had the unintended and undesirable effect of elevating higher‐status actors within the emergent civic network. These findings suggest that macro‐level policy interventions are required to foster the development of ties that promote cross‐talk among socioeconomically distinct community groups.
Mineral requirements of fish: a systematic review
Authors: Antony Jesu Prabhu P. , Schrama Johan W. , Kaushik Sadasivam J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMeta‐analysis of literature data on mineral and trace element requirements of fish was performed with the major objectives of identifying appropriate response criteria and the factors affecting the minimal dietary inclusion levels. The primary data set included 25 studies on available P, 20 on Ca, 24 on Mg, 5 on K, 37 for Zn, 23 for Se, 19 for Mn, 16 for Fe and 13 for Cu. Broken line regression analysis with linear plateau model (P, Ca, Mg and K) or two‐linear line model (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn and Se) was used for determining the minimal dietary inclusion levels. Vertebral mineral concentration (P, Ca, Zn and Mn), whole‐body mineral levels (Mg, K and Fe) and hepatic enzyme activity (Se) were found to be the most appropriate criteria for the respective minerals analysed. In general, weight gain as the criterion resulted in a lower estimate (by 18–42%) than those obtained using whole‐body or vertebral mineral concentrations as response criteria. The analysis also showed that different fish species do not show large variations in the mineral and trace element concentrations in the whole body and tissues. Factors such as species group and digestive physiology, type of experimental diet used and dietary interactions, type of mineral source and mineral concentration of water were found to affect the minimal dietary inclusion levels of certain minerals. Besides the meta‐analysis, research needs in mineral nutrition of fish with reference to growing changes in dietary strategies and rearing systems are discussed.
Transnational private governance between the logics of empowerment and control
Authors: Auld Graeme , Renckens Stefan , Cashore Benjamin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTransnational private governance initiatives that address problems of social and environmental concern now pervade many sectors. In tackling distinct substantive problems, these programs have, however, prioritized different problem‐oriented logics in their institutionalized rules and procedures. One is a “logic of control” that focuses on ameliorating environmental and social externalities by establishing strict and enforceable rules; another is a “logic of empowerment” that concentrates on remedying the exclusion of marginalized actors in the global economy. Examining certification programs in the areas of fair trade, organic agriculture, fisheries, and forest management, we assess the evolutionary effects of programs prioritizing one logic and then having to accommodate the other. The challenges programs face when balancing between the two logics, we argue, elucidate specific distributional consequences for wealth, power, and regulatory capabilities that private governance programs seek to overcome.
Neointimal Hyperplasia and Calcification in Medium Sized Arteries in Adult Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chitalia Nihil , Ross Louise , Krishnamoorthy Mahesh , Kapustin Alexander , Shanahan Catherine M , Kaski Juan Carlos , Roy‐Chaudhury Prabir , Chemla Eric , Banerjee Debasish 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe nature of arterial changes resulting in cardiovascular events and dialysis vascular access failures in adult predialysis patients is not well known. This study examined intimal changes, calcium deposition, and consequent stiffness in brachial and radial arteries of adult CKD patients. Ten brachial‐artery and seven radial‐artery specimens were obtained during fistula creation from nine predialysis and eight dialysis‐dependent, nondiabetic patients; and age‐gender matched controls undergoing coronary bypass grafts (6 radial) or kidney donation (6 renal). Arterial stiffness was measured at baseline. Vessel histology, morphometric analysis of intima‐media, and direct quantification of calcium load was performed using standard techniques. Both predialysis and dialysis patients demonstrated significant arterial intimal hyperplasia with intima:media ratio higher than controls (0.13 ± 0.12 vs. 0.02 ± 0.05, p = 0.01). Calcium deposition was demonstrated on histology and the calcium content in patients was higher than controls (34.68 ± 26.86 vs. 10.95 ± 9.18 μg/μg, p = 0.003). The blood vessel calcium content correlated with arterial stiffness (r = 0.64, p = 0.018). This study for the first time describes, and suggests mechanistic linkage between, intimal hyperplasia, pathological calcium deposition, and increased functional arterial stiffness in dialysis and predialysis patients. Our research could serve as a unique window into the in vivo status of the uremic vasculature impacting fistula maturation and cardiovascular disease.
Is Housing First for Mental Health Community Support Possible During a Housing Shortage?
Authors: Bullen Jane , Fisher Karen R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSupported housing programmes for people with chronic mental health needs have shifted towards approaches that rely on housing first, which prioritizes access to a permanent home in the community. How do support programmes with this assumption manage the market constraints of a shortage of affordable housing? The article examines empirical mixed method data (interviews and programme data) about the experience of managing this problem in the Mental Health Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) in New South Wales, Australia. HASI provides clinical mental health services, housing support and housing if needed, for people who are not yet living independently in the community.It found that the housing shortage affected the ability of the providers to implement the intended programme design at three early steps in the support: determining eligibility; prioritizing access between people with and without housing; and managing entry to the programme when they did not have housing. As a result, some otherwise suitable applicants were not prioritized for entry into the programme or their entry was delayed until they were housed.The providers adjusted the programme to the housing market realities, which compromised the programme intentions. The policy lessons are that programmes need strategies to provide housing for people who require it; assist people to find or apply for housing; and support people while they wait for housing. These approaches enhance the coherence of programmes, build on integration mechanisms and respond to the housing context.
Monetary, Financial and Fiscal Stability in the East African Community: Ready for a Monetary Union?
Authors: Lepetit Laetitia , Rugemintwari Clovis , Strobel Frank 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe examine prospects for a monetary union in the East African Community (EAC) by developing a stylised model of policymakers' decision problem that allows for uncertain benefits derived from monetary, financial and fiscal stability and then calibrating the model for the EAC for the period 2003–10. When policymakers properly allow for uncertainty, none of the countries wants to pursue a monetary union based on either monetary or financial stability grounds, and only Rwanda might favour it on fiscal stability grounds; we argue that robust institutional arrangements assuring substantial improvements in monetary, financial and fiscal stability are needed to compensate.
Reticulocytosis in nonanemic dogs: increasing prevalence and potential etiologies
Authors: Pattullo Kimberly M. , Kidney Beverly A. , Taylor Susan M. , Jackson Marion L. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAn increasing prevalence of reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia (RAA) in dogs has been suspected in recent years.ObjectivesThe objectives were to determine whether prevalence ofRAAin our canine population has been increasing over the last years, and to identify potential predisposing factors.MethodsThe annual prevalence ofRAAin adult dogs was determined between 2000 and 2012. Clinical histories andCBCdata were analyzed for all dogs, as well as owner response to a questionnaire including information on nutrition and supplements was conducted for dogs withRAAidentified between 2011 and 2012. In addition, serum iron concentration (Fe), total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%TS) were determined in 14 dogs withRAAand compared with 8 healthy control dogs.ResultsReticulocytosis in the absence of anemia was identified in 1035 dogs, with the prevalence increasing since 2006. Dogs withRAAevaluated after 2006 (n = 853) had significantly lowerMCVand were more likely to have microcytosis than those prior to 2006 (n = 182). Increased incidence of osteoarthritis was observed in dogs evaluated after 2006, including the dogs studied between 2011 and 2012 (n = 31), and administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, omega‐3 fatty acids, and glucosamine was more common in the latter. Significantly lower mean Fe and %TS, and higherTIBCwere found in dogs withRAAcompared to unaffected dogs.ConclusionsPrevalence ofRAAhas increased in recent years in our canine population. More ubiquitous use of anti‐inflammatory medications and nutraceuticals, associated with increased diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be considered as contributing factors.