bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of direct and indirect clinical attachment level measurements
Authors: Corraini Priscila , Baelum Vibeke , Lopez Rodrigo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsTo investigate the influence of subject‐, tooth‐ and site‐level characteristics on intra‐examiner reproducibility of direct and indirect clinical attachment level (CALDIR and CALIND) recordings, and to quantify the impact of less‐than‐perfect reliability on our ability to assess periodontitis progression.Materials and MethodsWithin a 1‐week interval, a single examiner performed duplicate probing depth (PD), CALDIR and gingival recession (GR) recordings in six sites of all teeth present in 148 periodontitis patients. CALIND was calculated on the basis of the PD and GR.ResultsAgreement was observed in 65%, 62%, 69% and 84% of the duplicate CALDIR, CALIND, PD and GR recordings, respectively, and >95% of the differences were within ±1 mm. This study identified multiple predictors for CAL measurement errors ≥1 mm, including tooth and site location, presence of supra‐ and subgingival calculus, bleeding on probing and suppuration. Measurement errors were more likely in patients diagnosed with “extensive” rather than “less extensive” periodontitis. In over half of the patients, measurement error frequencies were too high to allow for detection of possible CAL changes ≥2 mm with a false‐positive rate ≤5%. Detection of CAL changes with low false‐positives was more likely using recordings obtained by the direct method.ConclusionsFrom a measurement error point of view, CALDIR recordings are preferable over CALIND.
Candidate gene associations with withdrawn behavior
Authors: Rubin David H. , Althoff Robert R. , Ehli Erik A. , Davies Gareth E. , Rettew David C. , Crehan Eileen T. , Walkup John T. , Hudziak James J. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundSocial withdrawal is a core neuropsychiatric phenomenon in developmental psychopathology. Its presence predicts psychopathology across many domains, including depression, psychosis, autism, anxiety, and suicide. Withdrawn behavior is highly heritable, persistent, and characteristically worsens without intervention. To date, few studies have successfully identified genetic associations with withdrawn behavior, despite the abundance of evidence of its heritability. This may be due to reliance of categorical over dimensional measures of the behaviorally inhibited phenotype. The aim of this study is to identify associations between known psychiatric candidate genes and a dimensionally derived measure of withdrawn behavior.MethodsGenetic information was collected on 20 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a custom‐designed SNP chip and TAQMAN arrays of 4 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) genes for 551 individuals from 187 families. Linear mixed modeling was employed to examine the relationship between genotypes of interest and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Withdrawn Behavior Subscale Score (WBS) while controlling for gender and age through multiple linear regressions.ResultsWithdrawn behavior was highly associated with polymorphism rs6314 of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) [p = .009, estimate = 0.310 (bootstrap 95% CI 0.155–0.448), bootstrap p = .001] and rs1800544 of the alpha 2‐adrenergic (ADRA2A) [p = .001, estimate = −0.310 (bootstrap 95% CI −0.479 to −0.126), bootstrap p = .001] genes after correction for gender and age. The association between withdrawn behavior and ADRA2A was stronger for younger children.ConclusionsHTR2A and ADRA2A genes are associated with withdrawn behavior. This reinforces the role of catecholaminergic genes in the heritability of withdrawn behavior.
Impaired nerve fiber regeneration in axotomized peripheral nerves in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats
Authors: Nishida Naoki , Yamagishi Shin‐Ichiro , Mizukami Hiroki , Yagihashi Soroku 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAim/IntroductionImpaired nerve fiber regeneration is a salient feature of diabetic neuropathy. Its pathogenesis is still unclear. We attempted to characterize the structure of regenerated myelinated fibers after transection in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats.Materials and MethodsStreptozotocin‐diabetic rats underwent transection of the sciatic nerve. Two and 4 weeks post‐axotomy, regenerated myelinated fibers of the cut end and fibers at its proximal site were morphometrically examined. Non‐diabetic control rats with axotomy were also examined for comparison.ResultsAt 4 weeks post‐axotomy, diabetic rats showed an increased myelinated fiber density and total fiber number with a trend toward reduced fiber size at the cut end compared with those in control rats. The average number of myelin lamellae relative to axonal size in regenerated fibers at the cut end was significantly reduced in diabetic rats compared with that in control rats. The proximal site showed a reduced size of fibers and axons in both diabetic and control rats to a similar extent compared with those in a non‐axotomized state. At 2 weeks post‐axotomy, these findings were less apparent.ConclusionsThe nerves of diabetic rats when axotomized undergo impaired regeneration characterized by increased fiber density with hypomyelination.
Entropy and compression: two measures of complexity
Authors: Henriques Teresa , Gonçalves Hernâni , Antunes Luís , Matias Mara , Bernardes João , Costa‐Santos Cristina 
Published: June 2013

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTraditional complexity measures are used to capture the amount of structured information present in a certain phenomenon. Several approaches developed to facilitate the characterization of complexity have been described in the related literature. Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has been used and improved during the last decades. The importance of these studies lies on an attempt to predict the fetus outcome, but complexity measures are not yet established in clinical practice. In this study, we have focused on two conceptually different measures: Shannon entropy, a probabilistic approach, and Kolmogorov complexity, an algorithmic approach. The main aim of the current investigation was to show that approximation to Kolmogorov complexity through different compressors, although applied to a lesser extent, may be as useful as Shannon entropy calculated by approximation through different entropies, which has been successfully applied to different scientific areas.MethodsTo illustrate the applicability of both approaches, two entropy measures, approximate and sample entropy, and two compressors, paq8l and bzip2, were considered. These indices were applied to FHR tracings pertaining to a dataset composed of 48 delivered fetuses with umbilical artery blood (UAB) pH in the normal range (pH ≥ 7.20), 10 delivered mildly acidemic fetuses and 10 moderate‐to‐severe acidemic fetuses. The complexity indices were computed on the initial and final segments of the last hour of labour, considering 5‐ and 10‐minute segments.ResultsIn our sample set, both entropies and compressors were successfully utilized to distinguish fetuses at risk of hypoxia from healthy ones. Fetuses with lower UAB pH presented significantly lower entropy and compression indices, more markedly in the final segments.ConclusionsThe combination of these conceptually different measures appeared to present an improved approach in the characterization of different pathophysiological states, reinforcing the theory that entropies and compressors measure different complexity features. In view of these findings, we recommend a combination of the two approaches.
Clinical outcome of sorafenib treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma refractory to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Miyaki Daisuke , Aikata Hiroshi , Kan Hiromi , Fujino Hatsue , Urabe Ayako , Masaki Keiichi , Fukuhara Takayuki , Kobayashi Tomoki , Naeshiro Noriaki , Nakahara Takashi , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Hiramatsu Akira , Takahashi Shoichi , Ishikawa Masaki , Kakizawa Hideaki , Awai Kazuo , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimIt has been reported about poor prognosis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). We assessed the survival benefits of sorafenib therapy for advanced HCC in HAIC refractory patients.MethodsThe study subjects were 191 patients with advanced HCC who had been treated with HAIC. Sorafenib was used in 27 patients who finally failed to respond to HAIC (HAIC/sorafenib group). Clinical outcome was compared between HAIC/sorafenib and HAIC alone groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and response rate of HAIC between the two groups (response rate: 25.9%, HAIC/sorafenib group; 30.4%, HAIC alone group). The median survival time (MST) for all patients was 11.0 months. The survival rate was significantly higher in the HAIC/sorafenib group than HAIC alone group (MST 22.2 vs 8.7 months, P = 0.017). From administration sorafenib, the disease control rate was 51.8% with MST of 10.4 months. Among HAIC non‐responders, the survival rate was significantly higher in the HAIC/sorafenib group than HAIC alone group. Multivariate analysis identified additional therapy with sorafenib as significant and independent determinant of overall survival in all patients and HAIC non‐responders.ConclusionAdditional therapy with sorafenib could probably improve the prognosis of HAIC refractory patients.
Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with insulin resistance and lipid profiles
Authors: Dai Chia‐Yen , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Chung‐Feng , Hou Chen‐Hsiu , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Lin I‐Ling , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Chern , Wang Liang‐Yen , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung , Tung Hung‐Da 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been suggested to be associated with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and lipid profiles. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships of insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in Taiwan.MethodsWe enrolled 160 hospital‐based CHC patients with liver biopsy and the 480 controlled individuals without CHC and chronic hepatitis B from communities without known history of non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TGs), alanine aminotransferase, and serum insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR) were tested.ResultsWhen comparing factors between CHC patients, and sex‐ and age‐matched controls who had no HCV infection, patients with HCV infection had a significantly higher alanine aminotransferase level, fasting plasma glucose level, insulin level, and HOMA‐IR (P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P = 0.017, and P = 0.011, respectively), and significantly lower TG level (P = 0.023), total cholesterol, and HDL‐C and LDL‐C levels (all P < 0.001) than 480 controls. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, a low total cholesterol, a low TGs, and a high HOMA‐IR are independent factors significantly associated with chronic HCV infection. In the 160 CHC patients (41 patients with high HOMA‐IR [> 2.5]), a high body mass index, TGs, and HCV RNA level are independent factors significantly associated with high HOMA‐IR in multivariate logistic analyses.ConclusionsChronic HCV infection was associated with metabolic characteristics including IR and lipid profile. IR was also associated with virological characteristics.
Effects of splenectomy on hepatic gene expression profiles after massive hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Arakawa Yusuke , Shimada Mitsuo , Utsunomya Tohru , Imura Satoru , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Testuya , Takasu Chie 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimPossible spleno‐hepatic relationships affected by hepatectomy still remained unclear. We have previously reported that splenectomy may ameliorate liver injuries and promote appropriate liver regeneration after massive hepatectomy. Therefore, we investigated the effects of splenectomy on the DNA expression profile in the liver after massive hepatectomy in rats.MethodsRats were divided into the following two groups: 90% hepatectomy (Hx group) and 90% hepatectomy with splenectomy (Hx + Sp group). Rats were sacrificed 3 and 6 h after surgery, and mRNA from liver tissue was isolated and hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and a pathway analysis was done with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (Ingenuity Systems, Mountain View, CA, USA).ResultsWe determined the Hx + Sp/Hx ratio to assess the influence of splenectomy, and cut‐off values were set at more than 2.0‐fold or less than 1/2 (0.5)‐fold. Immediate early response gene including early growth response‐1 and FBJ murine osteosarcoma‐related pathways were markedly downregulated by splenectomy. In contrast, heme oxygenase‐1 gene‐related pathway was upregulated by splenectomy.ConclusionsSplenectomy provided the protective effects for liver failure and promoted liver regeneration, possibly owing to the downregulation of immediate early response genes and upregulation of the heat shock protein, heme oxygenase‐1.
Caffeine attenuates liver fibrosis via defective adhesion of hepatic stellate cells in cirrhotic model
Authors: Shim Sung Gon , Jun Dae Won , Kim Eun Kyung , Saeed Waqar Khalid , Lee Kang Nyeong , Lee Hang Lak , Lee Oh Young , Choi Ho Soon , Yoon Byung Chul 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimSeveral epidemiological studies have shown that coffee intake attenuates the progression of liver fibrosis; however, the mechanism is unclear.AimsWe investigated the direct effects of caffeine on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and assessed whether caffeine attenuated intrahepatic fibrosis in rat model of liver cirrhosis.MethodsHuman hepatic stellate cell line, an immortalized human HSCs line, was used in in vitro assay system. Cell migration and proliferation were assessed in presence of various caffeine concentrations (0, 1, 5, and 10 mmol), and levels of procollagen type Ic and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were measured by Western blot. Severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis were compared between thioacetamide‐treated rats with and without caffeine supplementation.ResultsCaffeine increased HSCs apoptosis and intracellular F‐actin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate expression. Caffeine also inhibited procollagen type Ic and α‐SMA expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In rat model, caffeine decreased periportal inflammation, levels of inflammatory cells (1.4 ± 0.52 vs 2.6 ± 0.46, P < 0.05), and fibrosis (2.1 ± 0.35 vs 2.9 ± 0.84, P < 0.05). Transforming growth factor‐β and α‐SMA expressions were also reduced by caffeine.ConclusionCaffeine attenuates the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs adhesion and activation.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Numata Norifumi , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Higashiyama Makoto , Sanomura Yoji , Yoshida Shigeto , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely accepted treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC), and the number of ESD performed for EGC in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. Although patients undergoing hemodialysis tend to bleed and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, the effectiveness and safety of ESD for EGC in patients with CKD in particular have not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of ESD for EGC in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsSixty‐three consecutive CKD patients in whom 79 EGCs were treated by ESD between October 2004 and January 2012; 15 of the 63 patients were hemodialysis patients. Complete en bloc resection rate and ESD‐related complications in hemodialysis patients versus non‐hemodialysis patients were evaluated.ResultsThe complete en bloc resection rate was 100% (15/15) in the hemodialysis patients and 87.5% (56/64) in the non‐hemodialysis patients, respectively. The post‐ESD bleeding rate was 33% (5/15) and 9% (6/64), respectively (P < 0.05). Perforation occurred only in non‐hemodialysis patients; the incidence was 5% (3/64). Two ESD‐related deaths occurred among hemodialysis patients (13%, 2/15); femoral artery infarction triggered post‐ESD bleeding in one of these two patients, and alveolar hemorrhage occurred in the other.ConclusionHemodialysis poses a risk of post‐ESD bleeding. We must understand this risk and provide countermeasures for post‐ESD bleeding in hemodialysis patients.
Assessing communication skills in dietetic consultations: the development of the reliable and valid DIET‐COMMS tool
Authors: Whitehead K. A. , Langley‐Evans S. C. , Tischler V. A. , Swift J. A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing emphasis on the development of communication skills for dietitians but few evidence‐based assessment tools available. The present study aimed to develop a dietetic‐specific, short, reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring communication skills in patient consultations: DIET‐COMMS.MethodsA literature review and feedback from 15 qualified dietitians were used to establish face and content validity during the development of DIET‐COMMS. In total, 113 dietetic students and qualified dietitians were video‐recorded undertaking mock consultations, assessed using DIET‐COMMS by the lead author, and used to establish intra‐rater reliability, as well as construct and predictive validity. Twenty recorded consultations were reassessed by nine qualified dietitians to assess inter‐rater reliability: eight of these assessors were interviewed to determine user evaluation.ResultsSignificant improvements in DIET‐COMMS scores were achieved as students and qualified staff progressed through their training and gained experience, demonstrating construct validity, and also by qualified staff attending a training course, indicating predictive validity (P < 0.05). An acceptable level of intra‐rater reliability (rs = 0.90) and a moderate level of inter‐rater reliability (r = 0.49) were demonstrated. Interviews identified many positive features and possible uses for DIET‐COMMS in both pre‐ and post‐registration settings. The need for assessor training was emphasised and how readily qualified dietitians would accept assessment of skills in practice was questioned.DiscussionDIET‐COMMS is a short, user‐friendly, reliable and valid tool for measuring communication skills in patient consultations with both pre‐ and post‐registration dietitians. Additional work is required to develop a training package for assessors and to identify how DIET‐COMMS assessment can acceptably be incorporated into practice.
Endometrial polyps associated with endometrial hyperplasia in an obese bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata): a case report
Authors: Chaudhari U.K. , Metkari S.M. , Sachdeva G. , Katkam R.R. , Nimbkar‐Joshi S. , Manjaramkar D.D. , Mahajan A. , Thakur M.H. , Kholkute S.D. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundA 10‐year‐old, female bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) showed abnormal menstrual cycle length with heavy menstrual bleeding for 6–8 days.MethodsUterine ultrasound and histological examinations of endometrium by endometrial biopsy.ResultsAn ultrasound examination of the uterine cavity showed presence of an enlarged polypoid mass. Further endometrial histology confirmed the presence of simple endometrial hyperplasia.ConclusionsWe report for the first time that endometrial polyp is associated with endometrial hyperplasia in obese bonnet monkey.
Assessment of relationship between self‐care and fatigue and loneliness in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Akin Semiha , Mendi Basak , Ozturk Bihter , Cinper Cigdem , Durna Zehra 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo assess the level of fatigue, self‐care abilities and level of loneliness in Turkish haemodialysis patients and to determine the relationship between the level of fatigue, self‐care and loneliness.BackgroundDialysis patients experience difficulties such as deterioration in physical performance and self‐care abilities, fatigue and social isolation due to the disease and the treatment.DesignThis is a descriptive study and was conducted at two dialysis treatment centres.MethodsThe sample included 325 haemodialysis patients. Patients were selected via convenience sampling. Criteria for inclusion of patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment were those who volunteered to take part in the study, who were literate and who were over 18 years of age. Data were gathered using Patient Information Form, Visual Analog Fatigue Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Self‐Care Ability Scale.ResultsHaemodialysis patients reported high level of fatigue, low level of self‐care and moderate level of loneliness. The correlation values indicated that as the levels of loneliness and fatigue increased, the self‐care abilities decreased. The self‐care abilities of the female patients were worse. Patients over the age of 60 years, those with low education level or patients on a low income and those with other chronic diseases had higher levels of loneliness and fatigue, and lower level of self‐care.ConclusionsIn this study, the level of fatigue of haemodialysis patients was high, their self‐care ability was very low and their level of perceived loneliness was moderate. Furthermore, fatigue negatively affects patients' self‐care; the higher the patients' level of fatigue was, the lower their level of self‐care.Relevance to clinical practiceIn order for haemodialysis patients to manage their fatigue successfully, to improve their self‐care abilities and to decrease their levels of loneliness and social isolation, nurses should provide physical, social and emotional support.
Older people's views of quality of care: a randomised controlled study of continuum of care
Authors: Berglund Helene , Wilhelmson Katarina , Blomberg Staffan , Dunér Anna , Kjellgren Karin , Hasson Henna 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo analyse frail older people's views of quality of care when receiving a comprehensive continuum of care intervention, compared with those of people receiving the usual care (control group). The intervention included early geriatric assessment, case management, interprofessional collaboration, support for relatives and organising of care‐planning meetings in older people's own homes.BackgroundPrior studies indicate that tailored/individualised care planning conducted by a case manager/coordinator often led to greater satisfaction with care planning among older people. However, there is no obvious evidence of any effects of continuum of care interventions on older people's views of quality of care.DesignRandomised controlled study.MethodsItems based on a validated questionnaire were used in face‐to‐face interviews to assess older people's views of quality of care at three, six and 12 months after baseline.ResultsOlder people receiving a comprehensive continuum of care intervention perceived higher quality of care on items about care planning (p ≤ 0·005), compared with those receiving the usual care. In addition, they had increased knowledge of whom to contact about care/service, after three and 12 months (p < 0·03).ConclusionsThe study gives evidence of the advantages of a combination of components such as organising care‐planning meetings in older people's own homes, case management and interprofessional teamwork.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results have implications for policymakers, managers and professionals in the area of health and social care for older people to meet individual needs of frail older people.