bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐7 and actin are components of amyloid deposit of localized cutaneous amyloidosis
Authors: Miura Yoshinori , Harumiya Satoru , Ono Koji , Fujimoto Eita , Akiyama Minoru , Fujii Noriko , Kawano Hiroo , Wachi Hiroshi , Tajima Shingo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe precursor protein of localized cutaneous amyloidosis (LCA) is believed to be cytokeratins on the basis of previous immunohistochemical studies. To identify the candidate amyloid protein biochemically, amyloid proteins were extracted with distilled water from lesional skin of LCA associated with Bowen's disease. The proteins were resolved on one‐ or two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by characterization with immunoblot analysis. The proteins with multiple molecular weights of 50–67 kDa and two proteins with 25 and 35 kDa were identified as keratins, serum amyloid P component and apolipoprotein E, respectively. The unknown 14‐kDa (pI = 7.0) and 42‐kDa (pI = 5.4) proteins reacted with the antibody against galectin‐7 and actin, respectively. The protein with the molecular weight of 14 kDa was identified as galectin‐7 by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometer. Their electrophoretic mobilities were identical with normal counterparts extracted from cultured normal human keratinocytes. Galectin‐7 and actin were detected by immunoblot assay in the water‐soluble fractions prepared from the lesional skins of two patients with primary LCA. Immunohistochemical studies of tumor‐associated (n = 9) and primary (n = 10) LCA revealed various degrees of positive immunoreactivities with the antibodies for galectin‐7 and F‐actin. Galectin‐7 and actin, which contain considerable amount of β‐sheet structure, may be candidate amyloidogenic proteins of primary and secondary LCA.
Serum coenzyme Q10 levels are associated with coronary flow reserve in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Macunluoglu Beyza , Kaya Yuksel , Atakan Aydin , Ari Elif , Kaspar Cigdem , Demir Halit , Alp Hamit Hakan , Asicioglu Ebru , Kedrah Alla Eldeen 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAccelerated atherosclerosis is the major cause of mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in HD patients as an indicator of atherosclerosis. Seventy‐one chronic HD patients and 65 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Plasma CoQ10 levels were performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography measurements. CFR was assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Serum CoQ10 levels (1.36 ± 0.43 vs. 2.53 ± 0.55, P < 0.001) and CFR values (1.73 ± 0.11 vs. 2.32 ± 0.28, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in HD patients compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation between CFR and serum levels of CoQ10 (r = 0.669, P < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of CoQ10 were still significantly and positively correlated with CFR (regression coefficient = 0.235, P < 0.001). Our data have demonstrated that HD patients exhibit decreased plasma CoQ10 levels and CFR values. The study also showed for the first time that serum CoQ10 levels independently predict CFR in HD patients.
Perihepatic lymph node enlargement observed at a general health examination: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gotoh Hiroaki , Enooku Kenichiro , Soroida Yoko , Sato Mamiko , Hikita Hiromi , Suzuki Atsushi , Iwai Tomomi , Yokota Hiromitsu , Yamazaki Tsutomu , Koike Kazuhiko , Yatomi Yutaka , Ikeda Hitoshi 
Published: November 2012

AimAlthough perihepatic lymph node enlargement (PLNE) is known as a common finding in chronic liver disease, it can be found occasionally at a general health examination. We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of PLNE in general.MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2011, 4234 subjects were enrolled, who underwent a general health examination at the University of Tokyo Hospital.ResultsPLNE was observed in 69 (1.6%) subjects, among whom 17 (0.4%) had liver disorders and 13 (0.3%) had malignancy, one of whom had both. No disorders were determined in the remaining 40 subjects (0.9%). Among 17 subjects with liver disorder‐associated PLNE, anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody was determined in 11 and serum alanine aminotransferase levels were less than 40 U/L in eight. Among 13 subjects with malignancy‐associated PLNE, para‐aortic lymph nodes were also enlarged in eight. Among 40 subjects with PLNE of unknown etiology, 27 could be followed up for the mean period of 2.08 years, where no underlying disorders were newly determined with largely unaltered size of PLNE.ConclusionThe incidence of PLNE in the general population may vary with the prevalence of chronic liver disease, especially HCV infection. When PLNE is observed, liver disorders should be first surveyed including HCV infection even with normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels. PLNE with para‐aortic lymph node enlargement may be suggestive of a malignant lesion. The incidence of PLNE of unknown etiology may be approximately 1% in the general population, which may be just followed up without further change.
Presurgical downstaging of vena caval tumor thrombus in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma using temsirolimus
Authors: Sano Futoshi , Makiyama Kazuhide , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Sakata Ryoko , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Fusayasu Syusei , Nakayama Takashi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro , Kubota Yoshinobu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract: A 63‐year‐old man presenting with a 7.2‐cm right renal mass, an inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, and pulmonary metastases underwent renal mass biopsy that revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Temsirolimus (25 mg weekly) was given because of the extent of the disease and poor performance status, which resulted in a marked reduction in the tumor thrombus (from level III to level I) after 20 weeks of treatment. Subsequently, radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy were carried out. Final pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of high‐grade clear cell carcinoma (pT4N0M1). One year after initiation of temsirolimus therapy, the patient remained alive despite the presence of disease.
Fathers’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to their involvement with their newborn hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Feeley Nancy , Waitzer Elana , Sherrard Kathryn , Boisvert Linda , Zelkowitz Phyllis 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore what fathers perceive to be facilitators or barriers to their involvement with their infants.Background.  Fathers make unique and important contributions to the development of their infants. Fathers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit often feel that they have a limited role to play in their infant’s care, and surveys suggest that they are not typically involved in infant caregiving. Paradoxically, qualitative studies have found that fathers do want to be involved, and their lack of involvement is an important source of stress.Design.  Qualitative descriptive.Methods.  Eighteen fathers of infants, in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least one week, were interviewed and asked to describe what they perceived to be the barriers and facilitators to their involvement. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed, and the data was content analysed.Results.  Three major categories of barriers/facilitators were identified: (1) infant factors (size and health status, twin birth and infant feedback), (2) interpersonal factors (the rewards of and attitudes and beliefs regarding fatherhood; family management; previous experiences) and (3) neonatal intensive care unit environmental factors (physical and social). These factors could often be a barrier or facilitator to involvement depending on the context.Conclusions.  This study provides insights into what factors influence involvement, and how nursing staff can support involvement and best meet fathers’ needs.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should explore the forms of involvement that a father desires, as well as the demands on their time, and determine what might be done to promote involvement. Fathers should be assisted to maximise the time that they do have with the infant. Nurses must provide clear and consistent information about whether and when caregiving is advisable, and they can explain and demonstrate how fathers can care for their infant.
Improving the systematic approach to pain and sedation management in the ICU by using assessment tools
Authors: Wøien Hilde , Værøy Henning , Aamodt Geir , Bjørk Ida T 
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectivesTo assess the effects of introducing a systematic approach to pain and sedation management in the ICU.BackgroundIdentification of ICU patients' analgesic and sedative needs decreases the risk of complications and the hospital length of stay. Several studies have reported a lack of systematic assessment.Design and methodsThree assessment tools were implemented in two Norwegian ICUs in a prospective two‐site study (April–July 2009). Frequency of pain and sedation documentation, the number of days when a sedation level was prescribed, and the amount of analgesics and sedatives used were documented for 958 ICU days in 139 mechanically ventilated patients. Fifty‐five ICU nurses completed a questionnaire on the effects of the assessment tools before and after implementation.ResultsPatients assessed by the tools had a documented pain score 2·5 times daily and a sedation score three times daily. A sedation level was prescribed for 70% of the total patient days. A documented match between prescribed and reported sedation level was achieved for 27% of the days. Combinations of continuous analgesia and sedation were prescribed with wide therapeutic ranges. Significant improvements were seen in the units' assessment and documentation routines scored by the nurses after the implementation of the tools.ConclusionAlthough the tools were well accepted, they were not used as frequently as recommended. The proportion of missing written prescriptions and documentation of sedation levels most likely reflects the nurses' and physicians' poorly defined intentions for the prescribed treatment. The tools applied helped nurses to focus on significant signs and symptoms.Relevance to clinical practiceWithout well‐organised pain treatment and sedation, the risk of oversedation is always present. Our results show that the implementation of tools contributes to a systematic approach of the assessment and treatment of pain and sedation in intensive care.
Perspectives on healthy aging among Thai elderly: A qualitative study
Authors: Thanakwang Kattika , Soonthorndhada Kusol , Mongkolprasoet Jiraporn 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this qualitative study, we provide an in‐depth understanding of the views of healthy aging among Thai elderly and explore the ways that contribute to healthy aging. Data were collected using focus groups and in‐depth interviews in four selected provinces of Thailand, and were analyzed using content analysis. The results revealed that Thai elderly described being healthy as the result of multiple components involving physical, mental, and social well‐being. Healthy aging was viewed as an absence of serious diseases, having functional independence, a positive psycho‐emotional outlook, and making a social contribution. The factors considered to contribute to healthy aging included activities promoting physical and psychological health, as well as active engagement in social activities. Understanding how the elderly define healthy aging and identifying the most important components and factors that contribute to being healthy provides insight into possible policy implications and interventions to promote health and well‐being among Thai elderly.
Cost‐benefit analysis of soil remediation in Israeli industrial zones
Authors: Lavee Doron , Ash Tomer , Baniad Gilat 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIndustrial zones are the main source of soil pollution in Israel. Due to the upcoming approval of the bill on soil contamination and remediation in Israel, it is important to assess the economic feasibility of soil remediation. This study examines the economic feasibility of an extensive remediation project of all contaminated industrial zones in Israel. The estimated economic benefits include both direct benefits, resulting from the increase in the land value of the contaminated site, and indirect benefits, arising from the increase in nearby property values. A cost‐benefit analysis showed a cost benefit ratio of 1:14. Nonetheless, the direct benefits were found to be lower than the costs. Thus, the question of funding requires collaboration between government and the private sector.
Climate, land, energy and water (CLEW) interlinkages in Burkina Faso: An analysis of agricultural intensification and bioenergy production
Authors: Hermann Sebastian , Welsch Manuel , Segerstrom Rebecka Ericsdotter , Howells Mark I. , Young Charles , Alfstad Thomas , Rogner Hans‐Holger , Steduto Pasquale 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper discusses climate, land, energy and water (CLEW) interactions in Burkina Faso. It shows that integrated assessments of resource use at the national level can provide important insights and benefits, especially for a resource constrained least developed country. Agricultural policy is shown to have strong implications for energy use, whereas energy policies are found to be strongly interrelated with water constraints. Without an integrated and coordinated approach, strategy and policy formulation efforts to increase energy, food and water security could become both incoherent and counter‐productive.
Work Rage: The Invention of a Human Resource Management Anti‐Conflictual Fable
Authors: DiFruscia Kim Turcot 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper discusses the use of the concept of “work rage” in human resource management. “Work rage” is a construct that serves a dual purpose in contemporary personnel management: first, as a means of control and individualization of workers through psychotherapeutic governance, and second, as a way to position human resource managers as providers of expertise on how to limit problems caused by troublesome laborers. The paper is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Quebec and the eastern United States.
The simultaneity of experience: cultural identity, magical realism and the artefactual in digital storytelling
Authors: Honeyford Michelle A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper explores how students, as multimodal storytellers, can weave powerful narratives blending modes, genres, artefacts and literary conventions to represent the real and imagined in their lives. Part of a larger ethnographic case study of student writing in a middle years class for immigrant students learning English as an additional language, the research featured in this paper is framed by a theory of artefactual literacies, narrative theory – particularly the genre of magical realism – and cultural studies, specifically notions of representation and cultural identity. The theoretical emphases on the artefactual, structural and representational aspects of multimodal narratives informs a multilayered, fine‐grained approach to analysing students’ digital narrative poems using the tools of critical discourse analysis, literary analysis and a visual analytic framework developed for analysing student‐produced digital photographs. This process is applied to a selected example, Gabriel's ‘My Name Is’ narrative, a story that plays with elements of magical real‐ism to explore the simultaneity of his experience as an immigrant youth. The illustrative example speaks to the power of the ‘fantastical’ in literacy pedagogies that seek to take seriously students’ cultural identities and their visions for new realities.
Advances in menopausal therapy: The tissue‐selective estrogen complex
Authors: Moore Anne 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPurposeMost menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms, vulvar‐vaginal atrophy, and/or bone loss. Although available estrogen and progestin therapies are effective in treating menopausal symptoms and preventing bone loss, some women may seek a therapy that provides symptom relief and has an improved tolerability profile. One option is a tissue‐selective estrogen complex (TSEC), or the pairing of estrogen(s) with a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to achieve the benefits of each component with fewer side effects. The first TSEC in clinical development combines the SERM bazedoxifene (BZA) with conjugated estrogens (CEs). The purpose of this article is to review published data for BZA/CE.Data sourcesData were obtained from phase 3 BZA/CE clinical trial study articles.ConclusionsDaily BZA 20 mg/CE 0.625 mg or 0.45 mg effectively relieved hot flushes, maintained or increased bone mineral density, treated vulvar‐vaginal atrophy, and improved quality of life. Further, BZA prevented stimulation of the endometrium by CE, and resulted in rates of amenorrhea and breast pain similar to placebo.Implications for practiceThese results support the use of a TSEC consisting of BZA/CE as a promising therapy for managing the signs and symptoms from reduced estrogen levels associated with menopause.
Effects of repeated transvaginal aspiration of immature follicles on mare health and ovarian status
Authors: Velez I. C. , Arnold C. , Jacobson C. C. , Norris J. D. , Choi Y. H. , Edwards J. F. , Hayden S. S. , Hinrichs K. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided follicle aspiration (TVA) is performed clinically but there is little information available on complications associated with this procedure.Objectives:It is possible that TVA is associated with damage to the ovary and may induce peritonitis or peritoneal adhesions. This study was conducted to determine the effect of repeated TVA on mare health and ovarian status.Methods:Thirty‐two mares were used for oocyte recovery via repeated TVA over a 3 year period; different mares were used each year. In Year 1, ovarian status was monitored in 11 mares by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. In Year 2, 6 of 11 mares underwent abdominocentesis and were examined by laparoscopy after one TVA and again after multiple TVAs. In Year 3, 10 mares underwent multiple TVAs with either a 15 or a 12 gauge needle and the ovaries were removed for examination.Results:Four hundred and twenty‐seven aspiration sessions (390 via TVA and 37 via needle placement through the flank) and 3202 follicle punctures (3161 TVA and 41 flank) were performed. One mare developed an ovarian abscess. Transient rectal bleeding was evident after 16% of TVA sessions. No adhesions were found on laparoscopic or gross examination of ovaries and there were minimal changes on histological evaluation.Conclusions:Follicle aspiration carries a small possibility (<0.5%) of ovarian abscess formation. There is a possibility of rectal abrasion or puncture but little gross or histological damage to the ovary.Potential relevance:These results provide a basis for using prophylactic administration of antibiotics after TVA and for advising mare owners of the rare but potential complications associated with the procedure.
Retrospective study on equine uterine fungal isolates and antifungal susceptibility patterns (1999–2011)
Authors: Beltaire K. A. , Cheong S. H. , Coutinho da Silva M. A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: Knowledge of commonly encountered fungi infecting the mare's reproductive tract and their respective drug susceptibilities should improve treatment efficacy in mares with fungal endometritis. This is particularly important when practitioners need to start empiric treatment before culture results are complete.Objective: To report the spectrum of fungal isolates from uterine samples from mares with reproductive problems and their respective antifungal susceptibilities.Methods: Equine uterine samples submitted to the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Centre for fungal culture between July 1999 and June 2011 were reviewed. Each mare's reproductive history, fungal culture results, antifungal susceptibilities and concurrent aerobic culture results were evaluated. Patterns of antifungal susceptibility and resistance were assessed over time.Results: One hundred and two fungal isolates were cultured from 92 uterine samples from mares with reproductive problems. Yeast (69%) and mould with septated hyphae (26%) were the most common isolates. Ninety‐five to 100% of all fungal isolates were susceptible to the polyenes, while response to the azoles varied with 47–81% of fungal isolates displaying susceptibility. Yeast isolates were 100% susceptible to the polyenes and least susceptible to miconazole (48%) while isolates of mould with septated hyphae were most susceptible to natamycin (100%) and least susceptible to fluconazole (0%). From July 1999 to June 2005 and July 2005 to June 2011, yeast demonstrated increasing resistance to miconazole, while mould with septated hyphae demonstrated increasing resistance to ketoconazole.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Results from this study suggest that polyenes are effective against uterine fungal isolates in vitro and may be the empiric treatment of choice for fungal endometritis. Isolate resistance to specific azoles increased over time.
Use of a wireless, inertial sensor‐based system to objectively evaluate flexion tests in the horse
Authors: Marshall J. F. , Lund D. G. , Voute L. C. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryObjectives: A wireless, inertial sensor‐based system has previously been validated for evaluation of equine lameness. However, threshold values have not been determined for the assessment of responses to flexion tests. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate a sensor‐based system for objective assessment of the response to flexion.Methods: Healthy adult horses (n = 17) in work were recruited prospectively. Horses were instrumented with sensors on the head (accelerometer), pelvis (accelerometer) and right forelimb (gyroscope), before trotting in a straight line (minimum 25 strides) for 2 consecutive trials. Sensors measured 1) vertical pelvic movement asymmetry (PMA) for both right and left hindlimb strides and 2) average difference in maximum and minimum pelvic height (PDMax and PDMin) between right and left hindlimb strides in millimetres. A hindlimb was randomly selected for proximal flexion (60 s), after which the horse trotted a minimum of 10 strides. Response to flexion was blindly assessed as negative or positive by an experienced observer. Changes in PMA, PDMax and PDMin between baseline and flexion examinations were calculated for each test. Statistical analysis consisted of a Pearson's product moment test and linear regression on baseline trials, Mann–Whitney rank sum test for effect of flexion and receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis of test parameters.Results: There was a strong correlation between trials for PMA, PDMin and PDMax measurements (P<0.001). A positive flexion test resulted in a significant increase in PMA (P = 0.021) and PDMax (P = 0.05) only. Receiver–operator curve analysis established cut‐off values for change in PMA and PDMax of 0.068 and 4.47 mm, respectively (sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.65) to indicate a positive response to flexion.Conclusions: A positive response to flexion resulted in significant changes to objective measurements of pelvic symmetry.Potential relevance: Findings support the use of inertial sensor systems to objectively assess response to flexion tests. Further investigation is warranted to establish cut‐off values for objective assessment of other diagnostic procedures.