bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Cystatin‐C as a Marker of Acute Kidney Injury in the Newborn After Perinatal Hypoxia/Asphyxia
Authors: Treiber Milena , Gorenjak Maksimiljan , Pecovnik Balon Breda 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe evaluated cystatin‐C (cysC) in the umbilical blood as a predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) after perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia compared with creatinine (Cr). One hundred full‐term newborns were enrolled in the study (50 in a group affected by perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia [AS] and 50 controls). CysC and Cr were measured in blood samples from the umbilical cord at birth (cysC‐umb and Cr‐umb) and from a peripheral vein 3 days later (cysC‐3 and Cr‐3). At birth, the mean level of cysC in healthy term babies was found to be 1.39 ± 0.19 mg/L and 1.34 ± 0.21 mg/L after 3 days of life, not significantly decreased (P = 0.137). The mean of cysC in the AS group was 2.12 ± 0.53 mg/L in cord blood and 1.56 ± 0.32 g/L in day 3 blood samples, also decreased (P < 0.001) and different from the control (P < 0.001). Cr levels, determined simultaneously at birth were different (P = 0.001) between the control (62.74 ± 12.84 μmol/L) and AS (72.60 ± 15.55 μmol/L) group, significantly decreased after 3 days in both groups (P < 0.001). The receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, comparing AS and the control group, showed area under the curve for cysC‐umb, cysC‐3, Cr‐umb and Cr‐3 (0.918; 0.698; 0.692; 0.660). The highest diagnostic accuracy was achieved with a chosen cut‐off for cysC‐umb of 1.67 mg/L (sensitivity of 84.0%, specificity of 90.0%) or 1.69 mg/L (sensitivity of 82.0%, specificity of 94.0%). Our results indicate serum CysC is a more sensitive marker of glomerular filtration rate than Cr in the newborns.
Ovarian follicular dynamics and hormones throughout the estrous cycle in Thai native (Bos indicus) heifers
Authors: Chasombat Jakkhaphan , Nagai Takashi , Parnpai Rangsun , Vongpralub Thevin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRelatively few studies have been reported regarding the reproductive physiology of female Thai native cattle. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the follicular dynamics and concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) during the estrous cycle in Thai native heifers (TNH) and to compare obtained results with those of European and Indian cattle breeds previously reported. For the detection of estrus, ovaries of all 20 heifers were examined twice daily (12 h intervals) by ultrasonography for three consecutive estrous cycles. From data of 60 estrous cycles (n = 60 estrous cycles from 20 heifers), it was found that 14 (70%) and 6 heifers (30%) had two (42 estrous cycles collected from 14 heifers) and three follicular waves (18 estrous cycles collected from 6 heifers), respectively. The days when estrus was detected, interovulatory intervals, life‐spans of corpus lutea (CL), and days for growing and regression of CLs were shorter in the two follicular waves than those in the three follicular waves (P < 0.05). In both two and thre follicular waves, larger maximum diameters and higher growth rates of the dominant follicle (DF) in an ovulatory wave were observed than those of the preceding waves without ovulation (P < 0.05). There was a progressive increase in follicular size and FSH and E2 production during follicular growth in each follicular wave. In addition, the FSH and E2 peak concentrations during the ovulatory wave were higher than those of the anovulation waves (P < 0.05). Moreover, although the ovarian follicular dynamic patterns in Thai native heifers were similar to those previously reported for European and Indian cattle breeds, the diameter of the largest preovulatory follicle (OF), subordinate follicles (SF) and CLs were smaller than those in European and Indian cattle breeds. In conclusion, when compared with European and some breeds of Indian cattle, the length of interovulatory intervals was shorter, and the sizes of dominant SF and CLs were smaller in Thai native heifers.
Brefeldin A Induces Apoptosis by Activating the Mitochondrial and Death Receptor Pathways and Inhibits Focal Adhesion Kinase‐Mediated Cell Invasion
Authors: Lee Seon A. , Kim Yun J. , Lee Chung S. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBrefeldin A induces apoptosis in various cancer cells; however, the apoptotic process in cancer cells exposed to brefeldin A remains unclear. In addition, it is unclear whether brefeldin A‐induced apoptosis is mediated by the formation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the effect of brefeldin A on the invasion and migration of human epithelial ovarian cancer cells has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effect of brefeldin A on apoptosis, cell adhesion and migration using the human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cell lines OVCAR‐3 and SK‐OV‐3. The results suggest that brefeldin A may induce apoptotic cell death in ovarian carcinoma cell lines by activating the mitochondrial pathway and the caspase‐8‐ and Bid‐dependent pathways. The apoptotic effect of brefeldin A seems to be mediated by formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of GSH, which results in the activation of apoptotic caspases. Brefeldin A inhibited foetal bovine serum‐induced adhesion and migration of OVCAR‐3 cells. Brefeldin A may prevent the foetal bovine serum‐induced cell adhesion and migration by limiting the focal adhesion kinase‐dependent activation of cytoskeletal‐associated components.
Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence rates, correlates, and targeted interventions
Authors: Hauser Marta , Galling Britta , Correll Christoph U 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivePediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is associated with poor outcomes, including suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA). However, frequencies and risk factors of SI/SA and targeted intervention trials for SI/SA in PBD have not been reviewed systematically.MethodsWe conducted a systematic PubMed review, searching for articles reporting on prevalences/incidences, correlates and intervention studies targeting SI/SA in PBD. Weighted means were calculated, followed by an exploratory meta‐regression of SI and SA correlates.ResultsFourteen studies (n = 1595), in which 52.1% of patients were male and the mean age was 14.4 years, reported data on SI/SA prevalence (N = 13, n = 1508) and/or correlates (N = 10, n = 1348) in PBD. Weighted mean prevalences were: past SI = 57.4%, past SA = 21.3%, current SI = 50.4%, and current SA = 25.5%; incidences (mean 42 months of follow‐up) were: SI = 14.6% and SA = 14.7%. Regarding significant correlates, SI (N = 3) was associated with a higher percentage of Caucasian race, narrow (as opposed to broad) PBD phenotype, younger age, and higher quality of life than SA. Significant correlates of SA (N = 10) included female sex, older age, earlier illness onset, more severe/episodic PBD, mixed episodes, comorbid disorders, past self‐injurious behavior/SI/SA, physical/sexual abuse, parental depression, family history of suicidality, and poor family functioning. Race, socioeconomic status, living situation, and life events were not clearly associated with SA. In a meta‐regression analysis, bipolar I disorder and comorbid attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder were significantly associated with SA. Only one open label study targeting the reduction of SI/SA in PBD was identified.ConclusionsSI and SA are very common but under‐investigated in PBD. Exploration of predictors and protective factors is imperative for the establishment of effective preventive and intervention strategies, which are urgently needed.
Cardiac involvements in myasthenia gravis associated with anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies
Authors: Suzuki S. , Baba A. , Kaida K. , Utsugisawa K. , Kita Y. , Tsugawa J. , Ogawa G. , Nagane Y. , Kuwana M. , Suzuki N. 
Published: July 2013

Background and purposeThere is no general consensus as to whether autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) is associated with heart diseases, despite the fact that myocarditis, a serious cardiac involvement treatable by immunotherapy, is a complication of MG. It has been observed previously that MG patients with clinically suspected myocarditis had anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies. The purpose of this study was to disclose the association between anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies and cardiac involvements in MG patients.MethodsAnti‐Kv1.4 antibody was detected by an immunoprecipitation assay using 35S‐labeled rhabdomyosarcome cellular extract as the antigen source. Cardiac findings including electrocardiography (ECG) and clinical features of clinically suspected myocarditis in MG patients with anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies were investigated. Ultrasound echocardiography (UCG) of ex vivo chick embryos was performed to determine the suppressive effects of sera with or without anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies on heart muscle functions.ResultsSeventy (10.8%) of 650 MG patients had anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies and 60% of them had abnormal ECG findings with high frequencies of T‐wave abnormality and QT prolongation. Clinically suspected myocarditis was found in eight MG patients with anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies but in none of the MG patients without anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies. Most patients showed rapid deterioration with lethal arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia, sick sinus syndrome, or complete atrial ventricular block and severe heart failure. It was concluded using UCG of ex vivo chick embryos that MG serum with anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies suppressed heart muscle functions.ConclusionIt has been demonstrated that anti‐Kv1.4 antibodies are possible markers for cardiac involvements in MG patients.
Phospholipids in sera of horses with summer eczema: Lipid analysis of the autoserum preparation used in therapy
Authors: Hallamaa R. E. , Batchu K. C. , Tallberg T. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyEquine summer eczema, also known as insect bite hypersensitivity, affects horses recurrently during summer months. The treatment of this allergic pruritus is difficult and therefore there is a need for efficacious treatments. Autoserum therapy, based on the use of autogenous serum that is specifically prepared for oral administration and given when the animal shows clinical signs has been introduced recently. Lipids are thought to be responsible for the effect of this therapy.ObjectivesThe main aim of this study was to analyse the phospholipid content of autogenous serum preparations and to further assess whether these preparations have different lipid profiles depending on the clinical status of the horse. The hypothesis is that the major serum phospholipids typical of the horse are present in the autoserum preparation.Study designDescriptive controlled clinical study.MethodsSera were collected from 10 affected and 6 healthy horses, prepared in a similar fashion and the lipids contained in the resulting autoserum preparations were analysed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry.ResultsThe major phospholipid classes detected were phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidic acid and traces of lysophosphatidylcholine. Horses with summer eczema had significantly abundant concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (P = 0.042) and sphingomyelin (P = 0.0017) in comparison with healthy horses, while the concentration of phosphatidic acid was significantly higher in healthy horses (P = 0.0075).ConclusionsThe autoserum preparation contains minute amounts of the main serum phospholipids in differing concentrations in healthy horses and horses with an allergic skin disease.
Institutional Ownership, Diversification, and Riskiness of Bank Holding Companies
Authors: Deng Saiying , Elyasiani Elyas , Jia Jingyi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe examine the relationship among the level and stability of institutional ownership, diversification, and riskiness of publicly traded bank holding companies. We find that large and stable institutional ownership is associated with a higher (lower) level of geographic, revenue, and nontraditional banking (asset) diversification and lower risk, suggesting that institutional investors are prudent and favor risk‐reducing diversification strategies. The association between institutional ownership level and diversification is more pronounced under deregulation and during the crisis, suggesting a substitution effect between regulation and market discipline, and a greater level of monitoring and/or advising by institutional investors during the crisis, respectively.
Systemic Risk, Financial Crisis, and Credit Risk Insurance
Authors: Chen Fang , Chen Xuanjuan , Sun Zhenzhen , Yu Tong , Zhong Ming 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDiffering from conventional insurance firms whose underwriting business does not contribute to systemic risk, credit risk insurance companies providing credit protections for debt obligations are exposed to systemic risk. We show that credit risk insurers (CRIs) underperformed conventional insurance companies during the 2007–2009 financial crisis, and such underperformance is attributed to the greater systemic risk of CRIs. We also find that the credit spreads of insured bonds increase significantly after their insurers are downgraded or put in the negative watch list. We control for alternative factors affecting bond credit spreads and the result is robust.
Where Are They Now? An Analysis of the Life Cycle of Convertible Bonds
Authors: Korkeamaki Timo , Michael Timothy B. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe study the determinants of the life convertible bonds' life span issued between 1980 and 1998. About 60% of the bonds survive either to a call or to their maturity. The issuers of the remaining bonds are delisted during the life of their bonds. Calls and delistings shorten the average life span of convertibles from the original 17 years to an effective life span of only seven years. Issuer's post‐issuance performance and investment behavior affect the effective life of convertibles. Our results support the sequential financing hypothesis, as bonds issued by firms with speedier investment schedules have shorter life spans.
Comparing two fish sampling standards over time: largely congruent results but with caveats
Authors: Yule Daniel L. , Evrard Lori M. , Cachera Sébastien , Colon Michel , Guillard Jean 
Published: July 2013

Summary

We sampled Lake Bourget (surface area = 44 km2) using CEN standard gillnet and provisional standard acoustic survey methods over 3 years (2005, 2010 and 2011) as the fish community responded to re‐oligotrophication. A total of 16 species were caught in benthic gillnets and three species in pelagic gillnets.

Lake Bourget results were consistent with a recent study (Emmrich et al., Freshwater Biology, 57, 2012, 2436) showing strong correspondence between average biomass‐per‐unit‐effort (BPUE) in standard benthic gillnets and average acoustic volume backscattering when smaller lakes (0.25–5.45 km2) were treated as sample units.

The BPUE of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) measured by benthic gillnets all declined significantly with increasing bathymetric depth; 93% of nets set at depths >50 m caught zero fish.

Pelagic gillnetting indicated that small (<10 cm) perch and small (<12.5 cm) roach occupied the upper pelagic habitat (0–20 m depths) and that whitefish were predominant in deeper pelagic habitat. The acoustic sampling showed fish biomass in the upper pelagic habitat varied significantly by year. Biomass there was highest in 2010 when a strong perch year‐class recruited and lowest in 2011 when recruitment levels of perch and roach were both weak. Whitefish biomass in deep pelagic habitat (>20 m) increased significantly after 2005.

Both surveys showed whitefish biomass increased significantly during the study, but whitefish ≥25 cm were poorly represented in benthic gillnet catches. Contrary to the acoustic findings, the BPUE of perch and roach in benthic gillnets did not vary significantly over time. This metric is insensitive to changes in size structure in that a high catch of small fish and a low catch of large fish in different years can provide similar average BPUE estimates.

We examined correlations between BPUE in benthic gillnets and acoustic methods at fine spatial scales by averaging acoustic backscattering measurements encompassed by buffers of varying size (250–2000 m) around individual gillnets and by averaging samples collected from lake quadrants. Correlations at fines scales were generally poor, and only in 1 year was the quadrant correlation significant. The lack of correlation can be explained, in part, by the two gears sampling different components of the fish community. Conversely, in pelagic habitat, where the fish community was simpler, we found BPUE in pelagic nets to be strongly correlated with acoustic backscattering.

With respect to large lakes like Lake Bourget, we hypothesise that the congruence in average biomass measurements provided by these two survey methods occurs because these different community components are responding similarly to a common driver like lake trophic status (or possibly multiple drivers operating in synergy).
Osmolarity and root canal antiseptics
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele G. , Guastalli A. R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAntiseptics used in endodontics for disinfection purposes include root canal dressings and irrigants. Osmotic shock is known to cause the alteration of microbial cell viability and might have a role in the mechanism of action of root canal antiseptics. The aim of this review was to determine the role of osmolarity on the performance of antiseptics in root canal treatment. A literature search using the Medline electronic database was conducted up to 30 May 2013 using the following search terms and combinations: ‘osmolarity AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmolality AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmotic AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmosis AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; sodium chloride AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm’. Publications were included if the effects of osmolarity on the clinical performance of antiseptics in root canal treatment were stated, if preparations with different osmolarities values were compared and if they were published in English. A hand search of articles published online, ‘in press’ and ‘early view’, and in the reference list of the included papers was carried out following the same criteria. A total of 3274 publications were identified using the database, and three were included in the review. The evidence available in endodontics suggests a possible role for hyperosmotic root canal medicaments as disinfectants, and that there is no influence of osmolarity on the tissue dissolution capacity of sodium hypochlorite. There are insufficient data to obtain a sound conclusion regarding the role of hypo‐osmosis in root canal disinfection, or osmosis in any further desirable ability.
Roles of cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide in murine osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Horibe Kanji , Nakamichi Yuko , Uehara Shunsuke , Nakamura Midori , Koide Masanori , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Takahashi Naoyuki , Udagawa Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2013

SummaryCathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) not only kills bacteria but also binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to neutralize its activity. CRAMP is highly expressed in bone marrow and its expression is reported to be up‐regulated by inflammatory and infectious stimuli. Here, we examined the role of CRAMP in murine osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclasts were formed in co‐cultures of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells in response to 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands such as LPS and flagellin through the induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoblasts. CRAMP inhibited the osteoclastogenesis in co‐cultures treated with LPS and flagellin, but not in those treated with 1α,25(OH)2D3 or PGE2. Although bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) highly expressed formyl peptide receptor 2 (a receptor of CRAMP), CRAMP showed no inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in BMM cultures treated with RANKL. CRAMP suppressed both LPS‐ and flagellin‐induced RANKL expression in osteoblasts and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression in BMMs, suggesting that CRAMP neutralizes the actions of LPS and flagellin. LPS and flagellin enhanced the expression of CRAMP mRNA in osteoblasts. Extracellularly added CRAMP suppressed LPS‐ and flagellin‐induced CRAMP expression. These results suggest that the production of CRAMP promoted by LPS and flagellin is inhibited by CRAMP released by osteoblasts through a feedback regulation. Even though CRAMP itself has no effect on osteoclastogenesis in mice, we propose that CRAMP is an osteoblast‐derived protector in bacterial infection‐induced osteoclastic bone resorption.
Cost‐effectiveness of a nurse‐led education and psychosocial programme for patients with chronic heart failure and their partners
Authors: Ågren Susanna , S Evangelista Lorraine , Davidson Thomas , Strömberg Anna 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives. This randomised controlled trial was conducted to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of a nurse‐led education and psychosocial support programme for patients with heart failure (HF) and their partners.Background. There are few studies evaluating cost‐effectiveness of interventions among HF patient–partner dyads.Methods. Dyads randomised to the experimental group received nurse‐led counselling, computer‐based education and written materials aimed at developing problem‐solving skills at two, six and 12 weeks after hospitalisation with HF exacerbation. The dyads in the control group received usual care. A cost‐effectiveness analysis that included costs associated with staff time to deliver the intervention and travel costs was conducted at 12 months. Quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) weights for patients and partners were estimated by SF‐6D.Results. A total of 155 dyads were included. The intervention cost was €223 per patient. Participants in both groups showed improvements in QALY weights after 12 months. However, no significant difference in QALY weights was found between the patients in the two groups, nor among their partners.Conclusion. The intervention was not proven cost‐effective, neither for patients nor for partners. The intervention, however, had trends (but not significant) effects on the patient–partner dyads, and by analysing the QALY gained from the dyad, a reasonable mean cost‐effectiveness ratio was achieved.Relevance to clinical practice. The study shows trends of a cost‐effective education and psychosocial care of HF patient–partner dyads.
Introduction: European labour markets in economic crisis
Authors: TORRES Raymond 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.Since the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, a further 8 million Europeans have become unemployed. And prolonged recession entails other risks examined here, in terms of labour market exclusion, the economic costs of long‐term unemployment, and the extent to which enterprises' job‐creating investment potential may become severely constrained. Against this background, the author critically reviews the European policy response with particular attention to the shift to fiscal consolidation since mid‐2010 and its long‐term implications for Europe's economies, labour markets and societies. Introducing the studies featured in this Special Issue, he draws on their empirical findings to discuss policy options for a reversal of current trends.