bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: associations with hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and poor treatment adherence
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Ting Rose ZW , Yang Wenying , Jia Weiping , Li Wenhui , Ji Linong , Guo Xiaohui , Kong Alice PS , Wing Yun‐Kwok , Luk Andrea OY , Sartorius Norman , Morisky Donald E , Oldenburg Brian , Weng Jianping , Chan Juliana CN ,   China Depression in Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (DD2) Study Group
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesize that depression in type 2 diabetes might be associated with poor glycemic control, in part due to suboptimal self‐care. We tested this hypothesis by examining the associations of depression with clinical and laboratory findings in a multicenter survey of Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.Method2538 patients aged 18–75 years attending hospital‐based clinics in four cities in China underwent detailed clinical‐psychological‐behavioral assessment during a 12‐month period between 2011 and 2012. Depression was diagnosed if Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) score ≥10. Diabetes self‐care and medication adherence were assessed using the Summary of Diabetes Self‐care Activities and the 4‐item Morisky medication adherence scale respectively.ResultsIn this cross‐sectional study (mean age: 56.4 ± 10.5[SD] years, 53% men), 6.1% (n = 155) had depression. After controlling for study sites, patients with depression had higher HbA1c (7.9 ± 2.0 vs. 7.7 ± 2.0%, P = 0.008) and were less likely to achieve HbA1c goal of <7.0% (36.2% vs 45.6%, P = 0.004) than those without depression. They were more likely to report hypoglycemia and to have fewer days of being adherent to their recommended diet, exercise, foot care and medication. In logistic regression, apart from young age, poor education, long disease duration, tobacco use, high body mass index, use of insulin, depression was independently associated with failure to attain HbA1c target (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95%CI:1.05–2.32, P = 0.028). The association between depression and glycemic control became non‐significant after inclusion of adherence to diet, exercise and medication (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.99–2.21, P = 0.058).ConclusionDepression in type 2 diabetes was closely associated with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, which might be partly mediated through poor treatment adherence.
Dysregulation of anergy‐related factors involved in regulatory T cells defects in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: Rapamycin and Vitamin D efficacy in restoring regulatory T cells
Authors: Banica Leontina M. , Besliu Alina N. , Pistol Gina C. , Stavaru Crina , Vlad Violeta , Predeteanu Denisa , Ionescu Ruxandra , Stefanescu Maria , Matache Cristiana 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients display dysfunctions in T cell activation and anergy. Therefore the aims of our study were to explore the expression of anergy‐related factors in CD4+ T cells in relationship with regulatory T cells (Tregs) frequency in SLE patients and to identify strategies to redress these defects.MethodCasitas B‐cell lymphoma b (Cbl‐b) and ‘gene related to anergy in lymphocytes' (GRAIL) proteins were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients and healthy donors (HD) by immunoblotting. cbl‐b, grail, growth response factors (egr)2 and egr3 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in SLE and HD PBMCs and CD4+ T cells. Phenotypic and functional characterization of CD4+ T cells was performed by flow cytometry. Tregs expansion protocol consisted in culturing CD4+ T cells for 14 or 21 days of experimental activation with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibodies, human recombinant interleukin (hrIL)‐2, in the absence or presence of rapamycin (Rapa) or 1,25‐(OH)2D3 (vitamin D: VitD).ResultsSLE PBMCs expressed low levels of Cbl‐b and GRAIL proteins. Both SLE PBMCs and CD4+ T cells expressed low levels of egr2/3 mRNAs. SLE patients had a reduced number of Tregs with impaired suppressive activity. An association between egr2 mRNA level in CD4+ T cells and Tregs percentage was identified. Experimental activation of CD4+ T cells in the presence of hrIL‐2 and Rapa or VitD induced the expansion of SLE Tregs. However, on long‐term, only Rapa exposure of SLE CD4+ T cells yielded high numbers of Tregs with sustained suppressive activity.ConclusionOur results suggest a new strategy to correct defects in CD4+ T cell tolerance mechanisms that may prove beneficial in SLE.
Evaluation of the usefulness of interferon‐gamma release assays and the tuberculin skin test for the detection of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in Korean rheumatic patients who are candidates for biologic agents
Authors: Kim Jae‐Hoon , Won Soyoung , Choi Chan‐Bum , Sung Yoon‐Kyoung , Song Gwan Gyu , Bae Sang‐Cheol 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of active tuberculosis (TB) in patients who received both an interferon‐gamma release assay (the QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test [QFT‐GIT]) and tuberculin skin test (TST) in comparison with those who received QFT‐GIT or TST alone for the detection of latent TB infection (LTBI).MethodsIn total, 842 patients who received QFT‐GIT or TST and used biologic agents between January 2007 and December 2012 were recruited to determine the usefulness of LTBI screening tests. The incidence of active TB was calculated relative to the LTBI screening method as the number of events per 100 000 person‐years exposure.ResultsTB occurred in two of the patients who complied with an LTBI prophylaxis strategy. The TB incidence in the group that received both QFT‐GIT and TST was 151.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] 150.11–151.98)/100 000 person‐years, and the incidence was 169.78 (95% CI 168.73–170.84)/100 000 person‐years in the group that received only TST.ConclusionTB occurred even in some patients who received LTBI prophylaxis in compliance with national guidelines. The incidence of TB in patients who received either the QFT‐GIT plus TST prophylaxis strategy or the TST prophylaxis strategy alone was higher than the annual incidence of the general population of the Republic of Korea. It is not possible to conclude which of the LTBI prophylaxis strategies is superior.
A severe reduction in the cytochrome C content of Geobacter sulfurreducens eliminates its capacity for extracellular electron transfer
Authors: Estevez‐Canales Marta , Kuzume Akiyoshi , Borjas Zulema , Füeg Michael , Lovley Derek , Wandlowski Thomas , Esteve‐Núñez Abraham 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe ability of Geobacter species to transfer electrons outside the cell enables them to play an important role in a number of biogeochemical and bioenergy processes. Gene deletion studies have implicated periplasmic and outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes in this extracellular electron transfer. However, even when as many as five c‐type cytochrome genes have been deleted, some capacity for extracellular electron transfer remains. In order to evaluate the role of c‐type cytochromes in extracellular electron transfer, Geobacter sulfurreducens was grown in a low‐iron medium that included the iron chelator (2,2′‐bipyridine) to further sequester iron. Haem‐staining revealed that the cytochrome content of cells grown in this manner was 15‐fold lower than in cells exposed to a standard iron‐containing medium. The low cytochrome abundance was confirmed by in situ nanoparticle‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (NERS). The cytochrome‐depleted cells reduced fumarate to succinate as well as the cytochrome‐replete cells do, but were unable to reduce Fe(III) citrate or to exchange electrons with a graphite electrode. These results demonstrate that c‐type cytochromes are essential for extracellular electron transfer by G. sulfurreducens. The strategy for growing cytochrome‐depleted G. sulfurreducens will also greatly aid future physiological studies of Geobacter species and other microorganisms capable of extracellular electron transfer.
Investigation on ‘bois noir’ epidemiology in north‐eastern Italian vineyards through a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Mori N. , Quaglino F. , Tessari F. , Pozzebon A. , Bulgari D. , Casati P. , Bianco P.A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA multidisciplinary approach, based on field surveys, molecular biology techniques, and spatial data analyses, was utilised to investigate the Bois noir (BN) epidemiology in north‐eastern Italian vineyards during the years 2010–12. Symptomatic grapevines, weeds and specimens of the insect vector Hyalesthes obsoletus were monitored and mapped. Leaf samples from symptomatic grapevines and weeds, and captured insect specimens were analyzed by real‐time PCR to identify BN phytoplasma (BNp; ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ species), the etiological agent of BN. Data spatial distribution was analyzed using SADIE (Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs). Bois noir phytoplasma strains identified in weed candidates for an epidemiological role were characterised by RFLP‐based analyses of tuf gene amplicons. Results highlighted that, in the examined areas, the host systems Convolvulus arvensis – H. obsoletus and Urtica dioica – H. obsoletus play the main role in BN diffusion. It was also evidenced that other weeds (i.e. Chenopodium album and Malva sylvestris) spatially associated with symptomatic grapevines and/or insect vectors and infected by the same tuf type identified in grapevines and insects, could play a role in BN diffusion. On the other hand, some weeds (i.e. Trifolium repens) were uninfected and not associated with symptomatic grapevines and/or insect vectors. The synergic application of our multidisciplinary approach improved the knowledge of BN epidemiology, and provided helpful indication for designing experimental plans to contain BN spreading in vineyards through weed management. The approach described in the present work could be used to investigate the complex epidemiology of other phytoplasma diseases.
Determination of ‘recruited volume’ following a PEEP step is not a measure of lung recruitability
Authors: STAHL C. A. , MÖLLER K. , STEINMANN D. , HENZLER D. , LUNDIN S. , STENQVIST O. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundIt has been proposed that the analysis of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP)‐induced volume changes can quantify alveolar recruitment. The potential of a lung to be recruited is expected to be high in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where collapsed lung tissue is very common. The volume change that is beyond the delta volume because of the patient's compliance has been termed ‘recruited volume’ (RecV). However, data of patients with low and high RecV showed less severe lung disease in high ‘recruiters’, indicating that RecV may not equal the ‘potentially recruitable lung tissue’ seen in computed tomography scans. We hypothesized that RecV is higher in lung‐healthy (LH) patients with little collapsed lung compared with ARDS patients.MethodsRecV and inspiratory capacity (IC) were determined in 12 LH and in 25 ARDS patients during incremental PEEP (steps of 2 cmH2O). RecV was determined as the time‐dependent increase in end‐expiratory volume following the first expiration to the new PEEP level (ΔTDV). Gas distribution in LH patients was analyzed by electric impedance tomography.ResultsCumulative RecV(ΔTDV) and IC were higher (P < 0.01) in LH compared with ARDS patients, 1739 ml vs. 832 ml and 4432 ml vs. 2020 ml, respectively. In both groups, RecV correlated excellently with IC (R2 = 0.86). In LH, RecV emanated mainly from nondependent lung regions at PEEP below 15 cmH2O. Maximum plateau pressure was reached with fewer PEEP steps in ARDS compared with LH patients (11 vs. 14, P < 0.01).ConclusionOur findings suggest that RecV predominately measures a slow fraction of inflation of already aerated lung tissue and not recruitment of collapsed alveoli.
Effects of sevoflurane on learning, memory, and expression of pERK1/2 in hippocampus in neonatal rats
Authors: YU X. , LIU Y. , BO S. , QINGHUA L. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundSevoflurane may be associated with neural toxicity in the developing brain, but the mechanism is still unclear. Phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2) are important for developing neurons. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on spatial learning and memory and on expression of pERK1/2 in hippocampus of neonatal rats.MethodsSixty‐three neonatal rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, sevoflurane (sevo) group, and sham group. Rats in the control group were placed in a plastic chamber flushed continuously for 4 h with air alone, rats in the sevo group were exposed in 5% sevoflurane and air for 4 h, and rats in the sham group were exposed in 5% carbon dioxide and air for 4 h, with identical flow rates for all groups. All three groups were subjected to Morris water maze test 1 day after sevoflurane exposure. Moreover, expression of pERK1/2 was determined by immunochemistry and Western blot at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after exposure.ResultsCompared with the control group, the escape latency was longer in sevo group and the expression of pERK1/2 was significantly inhibited in the sevo group (P < 0.01); no differences between control and sham groups were observed.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that neonatal rats exposed to sevoflurane had impaired spatial learning and memory, and this may be attributed to decreased pERK1/2 in the hippocampus.
Differences in Extinction of Cue‐Maintained Conditioned Responses Associated with Self‐Administration: Alcohol Versus a Nonalcoholic Reinforcer
Authors: Holtyn August F. , Kaminski Barbara J. , Wand Gary S. , Weerts Elise M. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundStimuli paired with alcohol may evoke conditioned responses that influence consumption and relapse. Understanding extinction of conditioned responses for both alcohol and nonalcoholic reinforcers, and their relation to subsequent consumption, may be useful in identifying methods to maintain abstinence.MethodsNine baboons self‐administered alcohol (n = 4) or a nonalcoholic reinforcer (orange‐flavored Tang®, n = 5) under a 3‐component chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR). Each component was associated with distinct stimuli and response requirements, which modeled periods of anticipation (Component 1), seeking (Component 2), and consumption (Component 3). No behavioral contingencies were in effect during Component 1. Responses in Component 2, required to gain access to Component 3, provided indices of seeking behavior. Alcohol or Tang® was available only in Component 3. Initial conditions parametrically manipulated the concentration of alcohol (2 to 6% w/v) or Tang (25 to 100%) that was available for self‐administration. The breaking point (BP) of alcohol‐ and Tang‐seeking responses at each of the concentrations was determined by adding a progressive ratio schedule to Component 2. Extinction of responding under stimulus conditions identical to those during baseline, but with no access to alcohol or Tang, was examined using across‐ and within‐session extinction procedures.ResultsThe BP for 2% w/v alcohol was lower than that for 4 and 6%, which were closely similar. For Tang, BPs increased as the concentration increased. When concentrations of alcohol and Tang were adjusted to produce comparable BPs, self‐administration of Tang was higher when compared to alcohol; however, alcohol‐related cues maintained higher BPs than Tang‐related cues when only water was available for self‐administration. Alcohol seeking and self‐administration responses were more resistant to extinction than those for Tang.ConclusionsStimuli paired with alcohol or nonalcoholic reinforcers will gain different motivational properties. Alcohol‐related stimuli produced persistent responding that was highly resistant to change, highlighting the role of environmental stimuli in compulsive drinking and relapse.
Effects of Cigarette Smoking History on Neurocognitive Recovery Over 8 Months of Abstinence in Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Pennington David L. , Schmidt Thomas P. , Meyerhoff Dieter J. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThis study compared the rate and extent of recovery on measures of learning and memory, processing speed, and working memory in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent individuals (ALC) who were never smokers (nvsALC), former smokers (fsALC), and active smokers (asALC) over the first 8 months of sustained abstinence from alcohol. Assessments after 1 week, 1 month, and 8 months of abstinence inALCenabled a comparison of the rates of neurocognitive changes from 1 week to 1 month versus 1 to 8 months of abstinence.MethodsALC and never‐smoking controls were administered standardized measures of auditory‐verbal and visuospatial learning and memory, processing speed, and working memory. Controls completed a baseline assessment and a follow‐up approximately 9 months later.ResultsOver 8 months of abstinence, asALCshowed poorer recovery than nvsALCon visuospatial learning, and both fsALCand asALCrecovered less than nvsALCon processing speed measures. The corresponding recovery rates for theALCgroup, as a whole, were greater from 1 week to 1 month than from 1 to 8 months of abstinence; these findings were largely driven by improvements in nvsALC. The recovery levels for fsALCon most measures were similar to those in asALC. Additionally, over 8 months, asALCshowed significantly less improvement with increasing age than nvsALCon measures of processing speed and learning and memory. At 8 months of abstinence, asALCwere inferior to controls and nvsALCon multiple measures, fsALCperformed worse than nvsALCon several tests, but nvsALCwere not different from controls on any measure.ConclusionsOverall,ALCshowed rapid improvement on measures of visuospatial learning and processing speed during the first month of abstinence from alcohol. Results also provide robust evidence that smoking status influenced the rate and level of neurocognitive recovery over 8 months of abstinence in thisALCcohort.
Recruitment difficulties in obstetric trials: A case study and review
Authors: Madan Arushi , Tracy Sally , Reid Rachel , Henry Amanda 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundThe CONSORT statement calls for complete data on flow of participants, including all losses and exclusions. Incomplete reporting of flow into trials versus flow through trials is not uncommon. Where complete data exist in obstetric trials, poor recruitment seems a recurring theme.AimsTo explore difficulties in recruitment and differences between assessed‐but‐not‐recruited and included women to improve future trial participation, using a case study of a recently published randomised trial of outpatient Foley catheter versus inpatient PGE2 gel for cervical ripening.Materials & MethodsThe assessed‐but‐not‐recruited population of an obstetric trial (ACTRN:12609000420246) was prospectively studied for reasons for noninclusion, demographic data and pregnancy outcome. Women assessed‐but‐not‐recruited due to declined consent or obstetrician declined participation were compared to included women. Main outcome measures included demographic and outcome differences associated with trial participation.ResultsOf 468 assessed participants, 220 (47%) were not eligible by exclusion criteria (potential ‘trial factor’ recruitment difficulties), 147 (31%) declined consent (n = 100, ‘participant factor’) or their obstetrician declined participation (n = 47, ‘clinician factor’) and 101 (22%) were included. Declining women were more likely than participants to be parous (24 vs 10%, P < 0.05), induced for nonmedical reasons (18 vs 4%, P < 0.001), privately admitted (31 vs 3%, P < 0.001) and have longer inpatient stay (4.9 vs 4.2 days, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe high assessed‐but‐not‐recruited rate highlights important issues with external validity and feasibility when conducting obstetric trials, including recruitment difficulties related to participant, clinician and trial factors. Assessed: recruited ratios and demographic and outcome differences need consideration in planning and interpretation of randomised trials.
Use of hyaluronidase as an adjuvant to ropivacaine to reduce axillary brachial plexus block onset time: a prospective, randomised controlled study
Authors: Koh W. U. , Min H. G. , Park H. S. , Karm M. H. , Lee K. K. , Yang H. S. , Ro Y. J. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryWhen considering brachial plexus block as a practical alternative to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgery, the time to achieve complete sensory block is a clinically important variable. In this prospective randomised double‐blind controlled trial, we investigated the hypothesis that addition of hyaluronidase to ropivacaine may reduce the time to achieve complete sensory block after axillary brachial plexus block. The patients were randomly assigned into a hyaluronidase group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The hyaluronidase group received ropivacaine 0.5% with 100 IU.ml−1 of hyaluronidase, and the control group received ropivacaine alone. The primary endpoint was the time to achieve complete sensory block. The hyaluronidase group demonstrated significantly shorter mean (SD) sensory block onset time (13.8 (6.0) min) compared with the control group (22.5 (6.3) min, p < 0.0001). Addition of hyaluronidase to ropivacaine resulted in a reduction in the time needed to achieve complete sensory block.
Electroanaesthesia – from torpedo fish to TENS
Authors: Francis J. , Dingley J. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryIn 153 AD, the Roman physician Scribonius Largus identified that electric current had analgesic properties, instructing patients to stand on an electric ray for the treatment of gout. In 2014, transcranial magnetic stimulation was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for the treatment of migraine. Although separated by nearly two millennia, these milestones represent the evolution of the utilisation of electric current in medical and anaesthetic practice. Significant advances have been made over the last century in particular, and during the 1960s and 1970s, tens of thousands of patients were reportedly anaesthetised for surgical interventions using electric current as the anaesthetic agent. Many medical interventions, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, have evolved in the aftermath of investigations into electroanaesthesia; the potential for electric current to be an anaesthetic agent of the future still exists.
Beyond The Limits to Growth: Ecology and the Neoliberal Counterrevolution
Authors: Nelson Sara Holiday 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper brings autonomist Marxist analyses of post‐Fordist transition together with the geographical literature on ecosystem services to argue that the rise of the ecosystem service economy was central to what Paolo Virno has called the neoliberal counterrevolution. By analyzing the discourse of environmental crisis in the 1960s and 1970s, I demonstrate that early efforts to account for the value of environmental functions were a response to the instabilities faced by globalized capital in the postwar era. The rise of the ecosystem service economy is central to what autonomist Marxists describe as a post‐Fordist mode of production in which the activities of social (and, I argue, ecological) reproduction become direct sources of value. The paper suggests the need to revise the autonomist analysis to account for both the ecological dimensions of Fordist crisis, and the importance of the ecosystem service economy as a means whereby the counterrevolution was accomplished.