bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased ratio of neutrophil elastase to α1‐antitrypsin is closely associated with liver inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Zang Shufei , Ma Xiaojie , Zhuang Zhenjie , Liu Jing , Bian Dongxue , Xun Yunhao , Zhang Qiuling , Zhao Falin , Yang Wenjun , Liu Juan , Luo Yan , Liu Yinlan , Ye Bei , Ye Dewei , Shi Junping 
Published: October 2015

SummaryAn imbalance between neutrophil elastase (NE) and its inhibitor α1‐antitrypsin (A1AT) is known to contribute to the development of obesity‐related inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the role of the NE‐A1AT system in the histological progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to evaluate the ability of it to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A total of 252 adults (NAFLD group, n = 202; healthy group, n = 50) were recruited. Clinical biochemical characteristics, NE and A1AT concentrations were measured in all subjects. Among the NAFLD group, 86 patients had previously undergone liver biopsy and information on histological characteristics was consequently available. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to determine the predictive accuracy of the NE‐A1AT system for NASH. NAFLD patients had an elevated serum NE concentration and a reduced A1AT level with consequent NE/A1AT imbalance. NE increased in the early stage of steatosis, preceding the decline in A1AT, dating from the onset of NASH (NAS 3–4), and subsequently NE/A1AT increased in the presence of NASH. Nonetheless, this increase began to resolve as the disease state progressed to advanced fibrosis. A1AT had a sensitivity (SEN) of 83.8% and a specificity (SP) of 83.3% with the optimal cut‐off of −1459.43, NE/A1AT had a SEN of 88.8% and a SP of 83.3% with cut‐off of 0.363 to predict NASH. An increased NE: A1AT ratio is closely associated with liver Inflammation in patients with NASH and could serve as a novel marker to predict NASH in humans.
Accessible polyvocality and paired talk: how family therapists talk positive connotation into being
Authors: Williams Lynsey , Auburn Tim 
Published: October 2015

In this article we identify one particular way in which the reflecting team process is used by family therapists. We show that reflecting teams draw upon occasions in the main session to intensify and extend positivity in the reflecting session. This analysis identified positive connotation as a device by which a hopeful orientation is established. Videos of family therapy sessions were obtained and transcripts of these sessions made. Excerpts with hope and positivity were identified and conversation analysis was used to gain insight into the organization and function of this talk. In addition, therapist interventions occurring during the main therapy session and which were reworked in the reflecting session were identified and analyzed. Sixteen examples of this paired talk are presented, and two exemplars are analyzed in full. Main session interpretations of talk and the reflecting team second versions (a device identified as paired talk) were found to work together as a resource for the construction and reinforcement of positive connotation in family therapy.Practitioner points

Positive connotation is constructed through therapists’ talk; this study shows in close detail how positive connotation is ‘talked into being’.
There is little opportunity for family members themselves to ratify or challenge these constructions.
Practitioners could engage family members by gaining feedback on the constructions of positive connotation.
The Effects of Medicaid Eligibility on Mental Health Services and Out‐of‐Pocket Spending for Mental Health Services
Authors: Golberstein Ezra , Gonzales Gilbert 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveMillions of low‐income Americans will gain health insurance through Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This study assesses the impact of previous Medicaid expansions on mental health services utilization and out‐of‐pocket spending.Data SourcesSecondary data from the 1998–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component merged with National Health Interview Survey and state Medicaid eligibility rules data.Study DesignInstrumental variables regression models were used to estimate the impact of expanded Medicaid eligibility on health insurance coverage, mental health services utilization, and out‐of‐pocket spending for mental health services.Data Extraction MethodsPerson‐year files were constructed including adults ages 21–64 under 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.Principal FindingsMedicaid expansions significantly increased health insurance coverage and reduced out‐of‐pocket spending on mental health services for low‐income adults. Effects of expanded Medicaid eligibility on out‐of‐pocket spending were strongest for adults with psychological distress. Expanding Medicaid eligibility did not significantly increase the use of mental health services.ConclusionsPrevious Medicaid eligibility expansions did not substantially increase mental health service utilization, but they did reduce out‐of‐pocket mental health care spending.
Australasian Rural Geographies: At the Core, in the Antipodes?
Authors: ARGENT NEIL 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper reviews ‘Antipodean’ rural geography research published over the period 2012–2014 inclusive. A broad, inclusive stance was adopted to what should be regarded as Antipodean rural geography. Key publication outlets were identified and scanned for what were deemed to be relevant paper titles and abstracts, then the institutional and disciplinary affiliations of authors, bearing in mind a general concern for ‘rural issues’. The review concentrates on the prominent themes of the recent mining boom and its externalities, new perspectives on agrarian and regional development, and population issues. Australasian rural geographers have not only become adept at ‘writing back’ to the centre but have played leading roles in the intellectual development of the sub‐discipline and cognate areas (e.g. rural sociology). Indeed, at least in the short period covered by this review and in the admittedly selective scope of that survey, Australian and New Zealand rural geographers have been at the forefront in advancing the sub‐discipline internationally. In doing so, they have not only placed the discussion of Australasian rural issues within a global context but have further refined the philosophical and conceptual approaches and tools used. In important respects, then, Australasian rural geographers are very much at the core of the international project of contemporary rural geography. Moreover, they have made – and continue to make – important contributions to the broader discipline of human geography.
Impact of a β‐blocker and/or acute hemodilution on cerebral oxygenation during apneic hypoxia
Authors: Kurita T. , Morita K. , Sato S. 
Published: October 2015

Backgroundβ‐blockers reduce the tolerance for acute hemodilution by decreasing cerebral oxygenation and may contribute to the incidence of stroke. We hypothesized that β‐blockers also increase the risk for cerebral hypoxia when apneic hypoxia occurs.MethodsAfter induction of isoflurane, 14 swine (mean ± SD =25.3 ± 0.8 kg) were studied using 200 μg/kg/min of landiolol or saline (control group) in three sequential stages: before, during, and after landiolol (saline) infusion. In each stage, after 5 min of mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen, apnea was induced until the time to < 70% oxygen saturation. Hemodynamic and blood gas variables were measured, and the cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI) was recorded by near infrared spectroscopy (apnea experiment). After these steps, hemodilution was induced by hemorrhage of 600 ml and infusion of the same volume of hydroxyethylstarch, and the apnea experiments were then conducted before, during, and after landiolol (saline) infusion similarly to before hemodilution.ResultsLandiolol decreased TOI at 1 min after apnea and at SpO2 < 70% by 3.3% and 7.0% from each corresponding value at baseline, and by 13.1% and 20.3% during hemodilution. Landiolol shifted the relationship between TOI and arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2) or arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to the left; and reduced TOI at similar arterial blood oxygenation. This phenomenon was marked during hemodilution.ConclusionsLandiolol reduces cerebral tissue oxygenation during apneic hypoxia. β‐blockers increase the risk for cerebral hypoxia when apneic hypoxia occurs, especially during acute hemodilution.
Great variation between ICU physicians in the approach to making end‐of‐life decisions.
Authors: Bjørshol C. A. , Sollid S. , Flaatten H. , Hetland I. , Mathiesen W. T. , Søreide E. 
Published: October 2015

IntroductionEnd‐of‐life (EOL) decision‐making in the intensive care unit (ICU) is difficult, but is rarely practiced in simulated settings. We wanted to explore different strategies ICU physicians use when making EOL decisions, and whether attitudes towards EOL decisions differ between a small‐group simulation setting and a large‐group plenary setting.MethodsThe study took place during a Scandinavian anaesthesiology and intensive care conference. The simulated ICU patient had a cancer disease with a grave prognosis, had undergone surgery, suffered from severe co‐morbidities and had a son present demanding all possible treatment. The participants were asked to make a decision regarding further ICU care. We presented the same case scenario in a plenary session with voting opportunities.ResultsIn the simulation group (n = 48), ICU physicians used various strategies to come to an EOL decision: patient‐oriented, family‐oriented, staff‐oriented and regulatory‐oriented. The simulation group was more willing than the plenary group (n = 47) to readmit the patient to the ICU if the patient again would need respiratory support (32% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Still, fewer participants in the simulation group than in the plenary group (21% vs. 38%, P = 0.019) considered the patient's life expectancy of living an independent life to be over 10%.ConclusionThere was great variation between ICU physicians in the approach to making EOL decisions, and large variations in their life expectancy estimates. Participants in the simulation group were more willing to admit and readmit the patient to the ICU, despite being more pessimistic towards life expectancies. We believe simulation can be used more extensively in EOL decision‐making training.
Forecast performance of WASDE price projections for U.S. corn
Authors: Hoffman Linwood A. , Etienne Xiaoli L. , Irwin Scott H. , Colino Evelyn V. , Toasa Jose I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the season‐average price projections for U.S. corn as published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), an important issue given reduced resources and increased program scrutiny within the Federal Government. This study is the first in the literature to evaluate the WASDE corn projections relative to futures adjusted forecasts throughout the forecasting cycle using a lengthy evaluation period (1980/81–2012/13). We find that WASDE projections provide lower RMSEs relative to futures adjusted forecasts for 9 of the 16 forecast periods, 4 of which are statistically different. Encompassing tests show that WASDE projections often provide incremental information not present in the futures adjusted forecasts. Composite forecasts based on futures adjusted forecasts and WASDE projections reduced the RMSEs over all forecast periods by an average 12–16%. Favorable average trading profits may be generated for some forecast months using WASDE projections. Overall, our results suggest that WASDE projections of the U.S. corn season‐average price provide useful information to the market and could enhance the efficiency of the agricultural sector.
Effects of lactoferrin, a protein present in the female reproductive tract, on parameters of human sperm capacitation and gamete interaction
Authors: Zumoffen C. M. , Massa E. , Caille A. M. , Munuce M. J. , Ghersevich S. A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIn a recent study, lactoferrin (LF) was detected in human oviductal secretion. The protein was able to bind to oocytes and sperm, and modulated gamete interaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LF on parameters related to human sperm capacitation and sperm–zona pellucida interaction. Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic donors (n = 7). Human follicular fluids and oocytes were collected from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Motile sperm obtained by swim‐up were incubated for 6 or 22 h under capacitating conditions with LF (0–100 μg/mL). After incubations, viability, motility, presence of α‐d‐mannose receptors (using a fluorescent probe on mannose coupled to bovine serum albumin), spontaneous and induced acrosome reaction (assessed with Pisum sativum agglutinin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate), and tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins were evaluated. Sperm–zona pellucida interaction in the presence of LF was investigated using the hemizone assay. The presence of LF did not affect sperm viability or motility, but caused a dose‐dependent significant decrease in sperm α‐d‐mannose‐binding sites, and the effect was already significant with the lowest concentration of the protein used after 22 h incubation. Dose‐dependent significant increases in both induced acrosome reaction and tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins were observed in the presence of LF. The present data indicate that LF modulates parameters of sperm function. The inhibition of gamete interaction by LF could be partially explained by the decrease in sperm d‐mannose‐binding sites. The presence of the LF promoted sperm capacitation in vitro.
Effects of silodosin on sexual function – realistic picture from the everyday clinical practice
Authors: Capogrosso P. , Serino A. , Ventimiglia E. , Boeri L. , Dehò F. , Damiano R. , Briganti A. , Montorsi F. , Salonia A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe treatment with α1‐blockers in patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) is associated with potential adverse events (AEs), thus including ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD). We sought to assess the effects of a 3‐month course of silodosin 8 mg daily dosing on sexual functioning, mainly including ejaculation and orgasm, in a cohort of 100 consecutive sexually active men in the real‐life setting. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function‐Orgasmic Function (IIEF‐OF) domain and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) both at baseline and at survey. Likewise, patients completed a 16‐item self‐administered questionnaire with closed questions also including specific questions regarding treatment‐related adverse events on sexual functioning. Rates and predictors of OF impairment and drug discontinuation were investigated. At survey, silodosin resulted highly effective in improving IPSS‐total and subscales (all p < 0.01). Anejaculation, hypospermia, reduced or absent orgasmic feeling, low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction were subjectively reported by 48 (48%), 23 (23%), 11 (11%), 6 (6%), 7 (7%) and 11 (11%) patients respectively. Overall, a reduction in IIEF‐OF domain score was observed in 64 (64%) patients. Patients with decreased IIEF‐Q9 and/or IIEF‐Q10 scores were significantly younger than those without any decrease (p = 0.02). Of all, only 7% of the patients discontinued silodosin because of anejaculation. Silodosin confirms to be highly effective in patients with LUTS/BPH; of them, almost 70% report either anejaculation or hypospermia, with a concomitant OF impairment in 17% of the patients. Younger patients showed higher rates of a concomitant impairment of ejaculation and OF. Overall, anejaculation caused drug discontinuation in 7% of the patients.
The effects of chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum on telomeres in rat male germ cells
Authors: Liu M. , Maselli J. , Hales B. F. , Robaire B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryCo‐administration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum (BEP) has increased the 5‐year survival rate of testis cancer patients to over 90%; however, this treatment induces chemotoxic effects on male germ cells. Treatment of male rats with BEP, using a similar schedule to that used in man, affects reproductive organ weights and sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity, as well as pup survival rates. Telomeres, specialized structures at the termini of chromosomes, play an important role in the maintenance of genetic stability. In previous studies, we demonstrated, using a spermatogonial cell line, that cis‐platinum and bleomycin damage telomeres and that cis‐platinum also inhibits telomerase activity. Our objective here was to test the hypothesis that in vivo exposure to the BEP regimen used to treat testis cancer targets telomeres in the male germ line. Adult male Brown Norway rats received chronic treatment with a BEP regimen. DNA double strand breaks were increased significantly in zygotene germ cells, as assessed by γ‐H2AX immunofluorescence. Interestingly, treatment with this BEP regimen increased γ‐H2AX foci in the telomere region of zygotene spermatocytes, but not in other germ cell types, such as pachytene cells, round spermatids, or elongating spermatids. Mean telomere lengths were reduced in zygotene, pachytene, round spermatid, elongating spermatid and cauda epididymal spermatozoa compared with the saline control group. Thus, telomere lengths did not recover during germ cell development. These studies demonstrate that BEP treatment is associated with an effect on telomeres.
Topographic correlation between optic nerve head characteristics and retinal nerve fibre layer defect in primary open‐angle glaucoma patients: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Lee Chong Eun , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Seok Hwan , Kim Chan Yun , Kang Se Woong , Park Ki Ho 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate topographic correlations of the directions of β‐zone peripapillary atrophy (PPA) and optic disc torsion with retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) defect in a Korean population.MethodsAmong 292 primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) patients from the 2012 KNHANES (n = 7444, age ≥ 19 years), 93 eyes of 93 individuals with a single localized RNFL defect were enrolled. The angular locations of the point of maximum radial extent (PMRE) of β‐zone PPA and the optic disc torsion were measured on fundus photography. The angular location of the PMRE and the torsion degree (TD) were noted when the absolute value of the former or the latter was ≥15 degrees from the reference line, a line drawn from the centre of the optic disc to the fovea.ResultsThe overall POAG prevalence was estimated as 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6–4.9). Of the POAG eyes with a single localized RNFL defect, 39.5% had superior or inferior PMRE of β‐zone PPA; in 74.9% (p = 0.015) of those cases, the RNFL defect was located in the same hemifield as the angular location of the PMRE. Meanwhile, 40.4% of the POAG eyes with a single localized RNFL defect showed accompanying optic disc torsion. The correlation rate between the direction of the optic disc torsion and the RNFL defect location was 60.2% (p = 0.029).ConclusionsIn the Korean POAG patients examined, the directions of the PMRE of β‐zone PPA and of the optic disc torsion showed significant associations with the RNFL defect location.
An open‐label study in healthy men to evaluate the risk of seminal fluid transmission of denosumab to pregnant partners
Authors: Sohn Winnie , Lee Edward , Kankam Martin K. , Egbuna Ogo , Moffat Graeme , Bussiere Jeanine , Padhi Desmond , Ng Eric , Kumar Sandeep , Slatter J. Greg 
Published: October 2015

AimsDenosumab is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 antibody that inhibits bone resorption and increases bone mass and strength. The present clinical study assessed serum and seminal fluid pharmacokinetics following a single denosumab dose in healthy men, and evaluated whether denosumab in seminal fluid poses any risk to a fetus in the event of unprotected sexual intercourse with a pregnant partner.MethodsAn open‐label, single‐dose study in 12 healthy men was conducted over a 106‐day period. Subjects received a single subcutaneous dose of 60‐mg denosumab on day 1. Serum and seminal fluid samples were collected at specified time points to assess denosumab pharmacokinetics. Adverse events were recorded.ResultsDenosumab was measurable at low concentrations in seminal fluid (~2% of serum concentrations). The mean [standard deviation (SD)] maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax) was 6170 (2070) ng ml–1 (serum) and 100 (81.9) ng ml–1 (seminal fluid). The median time to Cmax (tmax) was 8 days (serum) and 21 days (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) was 333 000 (122 000) day•ng ml–1 (serum) and 5220 (4880) day•ng ml–1 (seminal fluid). The mean (SD) Cmax and AUC ratios between seminal fluid and serum were 0.0217 (0.0154) and 0.0170 (0.0148), respectively. Using conservative assumptions for ejaculate volume (6 ml), vaginal absorption (100%) and placental transfer (100%), the measured mean denosumab seminal fluid Cmax would result in fetal exposure that was more than 110 times below the preclinically derived ‘no effect level’ for denosumab.ConclusionsThese results indicate a negligible risk to a fetus exposed to denosumab via seminal fluid transfer to a pregnant partner.
A Multi‐Taxa Assessment of Biodiversity Change After Single and Recurrent Wildfires in a Brazilian Amazon Forest
Authors: Silveira Juliana M. , Louzada Julio , Barlow Jos , Andrade Rafael , Mestre Luiz , Solar Ricardo , Lacau Sébastien , Cochrane Mark A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn the last decades, due to human land management that uses fire as a tool, and due to abnormal droughts, many tropical forests have become more susceptible to recurrent wildfires with negative consequences for biodiversity. Yet, studies are usually focused on few taxa and rarely compare different fire frequencies. We examined if the effects of single and recurrent fires are consistent for leaf litter ants, dung beetles, birds (sampled with point‐counts PC and mist net‐MN), saplings, and trees. Recurrent fires had a great effect on forest structure, reducing live tree biomass and number of lianas, and increasing canopy openness and numbers of saplings alive. Recurrent fires had consistently stronger effects on species richness and composition across all sample groups than single fires, except ants. Birds and plants were more grouped in the congruence analysis. The average dissimilarities between control and recurrent‐burned forest were higher than between control and once‐burned forest for all sample groups, furthermore birds and vegetation communities in recurrent‐burned forest are almost entirely dissimilar from the unburned forest. While beta diversity of ants, birds (MN), and trees was not affected by the frequency of fire, it changed for dung beetles, birds (PC), and saplings. Effects of fire on faunal community structure were more due to indirect effects, through vegetation, than through the fire itself. These results reinforce the effect of single and recurrent fires on tropical forests, and highlight the mechanisms acting behind them. Policy‐makers need to explicitly address protection of tropical forests from wildfires in conservation planning.