bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and prognostic use ofL‐lactate measurement in equine practice
Authors: Henderson I. S. F. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryLactate concentrations can now be measured rapidly and inexpensively in equine hospitals or in the field with a degree of accuracy that is acceptable when compared to laboratory analysers. Arterial or venous blood samples can be used. Short‐term storage of samples for up to 4 h at room temperature does not appear to affect the result. Taking a sample in the field and returning to the practice to analyse it is therefore feasible.Lactate measurement is useful in horses with colic to aid in the diagnosis of an ischaemic lesion and to determine the probability of a successful outcome if surgery is undertaken. Lactate concentrations are also useful as an indicator of hypoxia and/or circulatory disturbances associated withintra‐, orpost partumabnormalities including dystocia, prematurity, dysmaturity, neonatal encephalopathy, sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome or enteritis. Measuring lactate concentrations may assist in determining the severity of these conditions and the need for intensive care. Initial lactate concentration and increases or decreases in blood lactate concentration following a period of treatment can provide useful prognostic information. Lactate may also be measured during training to monitor fitness and performance.
Detection of ABL1 kinase mutations in Philadelphia‐positive patients exhibiting an inadequate molecular response using restriction fragment mass polymorphism and its clinical significance: a single‐center experience in Korea
Authors: Cho Y.‐U. , Kim S.‐O. , Chi H.‐S. , Park S.‐J. , Jang S. , Park C.‐J. , Seo E.‐J. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee K.‐H. , Im H.‐J. , Seo J.‐J. , Hong S. P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIntroductionABL1 kinase mutations represent a major mechanism of imatinib resistance in Philadelphia‐positive (Ph+) patients. There is a paucity of data on ABL1 kinase mutations in Ph+ patients in Korea.MethodsWe used restriction fragment mass polymorphism (RFMP) analysis to detect ABL1 kinase mutations in blood or bone marrow specimens from 80 Ph+ patients.ResultsFifty‐seven patients met the criteria for inadequate molecular response (IMR). ABL1 kinase mutations were found in 2.6% of patients with chronic‐phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), 25.0% of accelerated‐phase CML, 66.7% of blast‐phase CML, and in 58.3% with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Twelve mutations were identified: 7 T315I, 2 E255V, 1 E255K, 1 F359V, and 1 Y253H. The majority of mutation‐positive patients showed an unfavorable clinical course and often had an extra Ph or additional chromosomal abnormalities. Mutations were detected in two patients who had very low or absent BCR‐ABL1 normalized ratios.ConclusionMutation analysis should be performed in Ph+ patients exhibiting an IMR to imatinib. RFMP analysis is helpful for revising therapeutic strategies because it can sensitively detect clinically relevant ABL1 kinase mutations with high frequencies.
Salvage intensity modulated radiotherapy using endorectal balloon after radical prostatectomy: Clinical outcomes
Authors: Ishiyama Hiromichi , Teh Bin S , Blanco Angel I , Paulino Arnold C , Mai Wei‐Yuan , Caillouet James , Xu Bo , Butler E Brian 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate biochemical non‐evidence of disease and adverse events of salvage intensity‐modulated radiotherapy using an endorectal balloon for prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy.MethodsData of 107 patients (median age 65 years) with persistent (>0.1 ng/mL) or rising prostate‐specific antigen after radical prostatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The mean dose to clinical target volume was 70 Gy in 32 fractions (the equivalent dose in 2 Gy fraction is 73.2 Gy based on α:β = 2). Biochemical non‐evidence of disease and predictive factors were assessed. Genitourinary toxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity were also evaluated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group toxicity criteria.ResultsThe median follow up was 37 months (range 6–126 months). A total of 48 patients developed biochemical recurrence. The 3‐ and 5‐year biochemical non‐evidence of disease rates of all patients were 52.6% and 48.8%, respectively. The Gleason score (≥4 + 3, ≤3 + 4) and pre‐intensity‐modulated radiotherapy prostate‐specific antigen level (≥0.5 ng/mL, <0.5 ng/mL) were significant predictive factors for biochemical non‐evidence of disease in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only the Gleason score was detected as a significant variable. The highest late genitourinary toxicities were grade 2 in 13% and grade 3 in 6% of patients. The highest late gastrointestinal toxicities were grade 2 in 6% and grade 3 in 3% of patients.ConclusionDespite a relatively high radiation dose, intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with an endorectal balloon can be delivered with acceptable toxicity and efficacy for patients developing biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
Assessments of the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology from 1994 to 2011
Authors: Cho Hee Ju , Chung Jae Hoon , Jo Jung Ki , Kang Dong Hyuk , Cho Jeong Man , Yoo Tag Keun , Lee Seung Wook 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesRandomized controlled trials are one of the most reliable resources for assessing the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments. Low quality randomized controlled trials carry a large bias that can ultimately impair the reliability of their conclusions. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology by using multiple quality assessment tools.MethodsRandomized controlled trials articles published in International Journal of Urology were found using the PubMed MEDLINE database, and qualitative analysis was carried out with three distinct assessment tools: the Jadad scale, the van Tulder scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of randomized controlled trials was analyzed by publication year, type of subjects, intervention, presence of funding and whether an institutional review board reviewed the study.ResultsA total of 68 randomized controlled trial articles were published among a total of 1399 original articles in International Journal of Urology. Among these randomized controlled trials, 10 (2.70%) were from 1994 to 1999, 23 (4.10%) were from 2000 to 2005 and 35 (4.00%) were from 2006 to 2011 (P = 0.494). On the assessment with the Jadad and van Tulder scale, the numbers and percentage of high quality randomized controlled trials increased over time. The studies that had institutional review board reviews, funding resources or that were carried out in multiple institutions had an increased percentage of high quality articles.ConclusionsThe numbers and percentage of high‐quality randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology have increased over time. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials with funding resources, institutional review board reviews or carried out in multiple institutions have been found to be of higher quality compared with others not presenting these features.
A virosomal respiratory syncytial virus vaccine adjuvanted with monophosphoryl lipid A provides protection against viral challenge without priming for enhanced disease in cotton rats
Authors: Kamphuis Tobias , Stegmann Toon , Meijerhof Tjarko , Wilschut Jan , de Haan Aalzen 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundNon‐replicating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidates could potentially prime for enhanced respiratory disease (ERD) due to a T‐cell‐mediated immunopathology, following RSV infection. Vaccines with built‐in immune response modifiers, such as Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands, may avoid such aberrant imprinting of the immune system.MethodsWe developed reconstituted RSV envelopes (virosomes) with incorporated TLR4 ligand, monophosphoryl lipid A (RSV‐MPLA virosomes). Immune responses and lung pathology after vaccination and challenge were investigated in ERD‐prone cotton rats and compared with responses induced by live virus and formaldehyde‐inactivated vaccine (FI‐RSV), a known cause of ERD upon RSV challenge.ResultsVaccination with RSV‐MPLA virosomes induced higher levels of virus‐neutralizing antibodies than FI‐RSV or live virus infection and provided protection against infection. FI‐RSV, but not RSV‐MPLA virosomes, primed for increases in expression of Th2 cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and Th1 cytokine IL‐1b, 6 hour–5 days after infection. By contrast, RSV‐MPLA virosomes induced IFN‐γ transcripts to similar levels as induced by live virus. Animals vaccinated with FI‐RSV, but not RSV‐MPLA virosomes showed alveolitis, with prominent neutrophil influx and peribronchiolar and perivascular infiltrates.ConclusionThese results show that RSV‐MPLA virosomes represent a safe and immunogenic vaccine candidate that warrants evaluation in a clinical setting.
Valuation and Hedging of the Ruin‐Contingent Life Annuity (RCLA)
Authors: Huang H. , Milevsky M. A. , Salisbury T. S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe analyze an insurance instrument called a ruin‐contingent life annuity (RCLA), which is a stand‐alone version of the option embedded inside a variable annuity (VA) but without the buyer having to transfer investments to the insurance company. The annuitant's payoff from an RCLA is a dollar of income per year for life, deferred until a certain wealth process hits zero. We derive the partial differential equation (PDE) satisfied by the RCLA value assuming no arbitrage, describe efficient numerical techniques, and provide estimates for RCLA values. The practical motivation is twofold. First, numerous insurance companies are now offering similar contingent deferred annuities (CDAs). Second, the U.S. Treasury and Department of Labor have encouraged DC plans to offer longevity insurance to participants and the RCLA might be the ideal product.
Grassroots Bureaucracy: Intergovernmental Relations and Popular Mobilization in Brazil's AIDS Policy Sector
Authors: Rich Jessica A. J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHow does the state ensure the implementation of national policies in a context of decentralized political authority? This article identifies a new strategy utilized by national bureaucrats to regulate the behavior of subnational politicians: mobilizing civil society as government watchdog and political advocate. In the context of decentralized governance, in which local politicians administer most social sector programs, reform-minded bureaucrats often find that they have little control over the implementation of their progressive policies. In Brazil’s AIDS policy sector, however, bureaucrats have ensured the successful implementation of their policies by developing allies outside government. These state actors—here called activist bureaucrats—have been largely overlooked in the English-language literature, yet they form a new layer of politics in Latin America.
Gender‐assortative waist circumference in mother–daughter and father–son pairs, and its implications. An 11‐year longitudinal study in children (EarlyBird 59)
Authors: Mostazir M. , Jeffery A. , Voss L. , Wilkin T. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
Body mass index (BMI) is gender assortative (mother–daughter, father–son) in contemporary families.
The impact of obesity on the metabolic health of contemporary children is nevertheless a correlate of their own weight, not that of their parents.
Waist circumference (WC; abdominal fat) is a better predictor of metabolic risk than BMI.
Abdominal fat has two components – visceral, which increases metabolic risk, and subcutaneous, which is neutral or even protects.
What this study adds
WC, like BMI, is gender assortative. Daughters derive their girth from their mother and sons from their father.
Subcutaneous fat accounts for the gender‐assortative link with parental WC, but not the surrogate we used for visceral fat (WC|BMI).
Insulin resistance, on the other hand, is a function of WC|BMI but not of subcutaneous fat.
Given appropriate standards, WC|BMI may help refine the predictive value of WC for metabolic risk in children.
Background/ObjectivesBody mass index (BMI) is reportedly gender assortative (mother–daughter, father–son) in contemporary children. We investigated the corresponding transmission of waist circumference (WC) and its implications.MethodsWe measured parental WC at baseline and WC, height, weight and para‐umbilical skin‐fold (USF) annually in their offspring from 5 to 15 years (n = 223 trios). Parents were deemed normal metabolic risk (NR) or high risk (HR) according to World Health Organization (WHO) cut‐points for WC (mothers 80 cm, fathers 94 cm). The residual from WC adjusted for BMI (WC|BMI) was used as a surrogate for excess intra‐abdominal fat, and its association with insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR) was sought.ResultsWC and USF were both gender assortative, while WC|BMI was not. WC was greater by 1.62 cm (P < 0.05, confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–3.16) and USF by 0.37 cm (P < 0.01, CI: 0.19–0.56) among the daughters (but not the sons) of HR compared with those of NR mothers, and by 1.32 cm (P < 0.05, CI: 0.09–2.55) and 0.18 cm (P < 0.05, CI: 0.04–0.32), respectively in the corresponding father–son (but not father–daughter) pairings. No such differences could be demonstrated for WC|BMI. A standard deviation score 1(SDS) change in WC|BMI, independent of BMI, was associated with a 7.14% change in IR in girls (P < 0.01, CI: 1.76–12.80) and 8.02% in boys (P < 0.001, CI: 2.93–13.36), but there was no relationship between IR and USF.ConclusionThe relationship of offspring WC to metabolic health and to parental size is complex. Subcutaneous abdominal fat is gender assortative but harmless, while intra‐abdominal fat (its surrogate in this analysis) is unrelated to parental waist circumference, but metabolically harmful.
Lifestyle intervention improves lipoprotein particle size and distribution without weight loss in obese Latino adolescents
Authors: Ryder J. R. , Vega‐López S. , Ortega R. , Konopken Y. , Shaibi G. Q. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractChildhood obesity is associated with a pro‐atherogenic phenotype contributing to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This single‐arm pilot study examined the effects of a lifestyle intervention on lipoprotein particle size and cholesterol distribution in obese Latino adolescents. Fifteen obese Latino adolescents (15.0 ± 1.0 years) completed a 12‐week nutrition education and exercise intervention. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and distribution of cholesterol in lipoprotein subclasses were determined via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The intervention resulted in increases in mean LDL particle size (269.3 ± 3.4 to 271.6 ± 2.9 Å, P = 0.0003) and cholesterol in large high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions (22.4 ± 11.2 to 26.8 ± 10.6% area, P = 0.007) along with decreases of cholesterol in small LDL (1.6 ± 2.0 to 0.6 ± 1.2% area, P < 0.01) and HDL subfractions (23.2 ± 9.4 to 19.0 ± 6.7% area, P = 0.05). These improvements were observed independent of changes in weight (90.7 ± 26.2 to 89.9 ± 27.8 kg, P > 0.05) and suggest that lifestyle modification in obese youth may reduce cardiovascular risk by shifting lipoprotein particle size and cholesterol distribution to a less atherogenic phenotype.
Linear and Poisson models for genetic evaluation of tick resistance in cross‐bred Hereford x Nellore cattle
Authors: Ayres D.R. , Pereira R.J. , Boligon A.A. , Silva F.F. , Schenkel F.S. , Roso V.M. , Albuquerque L.G. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCattle resistance to ticks is measured by the number of ticks infesting the animal. The model used for the genetic analysis of cattle resistance to ticks frequently requires logarithmic transformation of the observations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability and goodness of fit of different models for the analysis of this trait in cross‐bred Hereford x Nellore cattle. Three models were tested: a linear model using logarithmic transformation of the observations (MLOG); a linear model without transformation of the observations (MLIN); and a generalized linear Poisson model with residual term (MPOI). All models included the classificatory effects of contemporary group and genetic group and the covariates age of animal at the time of recording and individual heterozygosis, as well as additive genetic effects as random effects. Heritability estimates were 0.08 ± 0.02, 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.04 for MLIN, MLOG and MPOI models, respectively. The model fit quality, verified by deviance information criterion (DIC) and residual mean square, indicated fit superiority of MPOI model. The predictive ability of the models was compared by validation test in independent sample. The MPOI model was slightly superior in terms of goodness of fit and predictive ability, whereas the correlations between observed and predicted tick counts were practically the same for all models. A higher rank correlation between breeding values was observed between models MLOG and MPOI. Poisson model can be used for the selection of tick‐resistant animals.
Extraction and parametrization of grain boundary networks in glacier ice, using a dedicated method of automatic image analysis
Authors: BINDER T. , GARBE C.S. , WAGENBACH D. , FREITAG J. , KIPFSTUHL S. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryMicrostructure analysis of polar ice cores is vital to understand the processes controlling the flow of polar ice on the microscale. This paper presents an automatic image processing framework for extraction and parametrization of grain boundary networks from images of the NEEM deep ice core. As cross‐section images are acquired using controlled surface sublimation, grain boundaries and air inclusions appear dark, whereas the inside of grains appears grey. The initial segmentation step of the software is to separate possible boundaries of grains and air inclusions from background. A Machine learning approach is utilized to gain automatic, reliable classification, which is required for processing large data sets along deep ice cores. The second step is to compose the perimeter of section profiles of grains by planar sections of the grain surface between triple points. Ultimately, grain areas, grain boundaries and triple junctions of the later are diversely parametrized. High resolution is achieved, so that small grain sizes and local curvatures of grain boundaries can systematically be investigated.
Improving efficiency in stereology: a study applying the proportionator and the autodisector on virtual slides
Authors: KELLER K.K. , ANDERSEN I.T. , ANDERSEN J.B. , HAHN U. , STENGAARD‐PEDERSEN K. , HAUGE E.‐M. , NYENGAARD J.R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCell counting in stereology is time‐consuming. The proportionator is a new stereological sampling method combining automatic image analysis and non‐uniform sampling. The autodisector on virtual slides combines automatic generation of disector pairs with the use of digital images. The aim of the study was to investigate the time efficiency of the proportionator and the autodisector on virtual slides compared with traditional methods in a practical application, namely the estimation of osteoclast numbers in paws from mice with experimental arthritis and control mice. Tissue slides were scanned in a digital slide scanner and the autodisector was applied on the obtained virtual tissue slides. Every slide was partitioned into fields of view, and cells were counted in all of them. Based on the original exhaustive data set comprising 100% of fields of view and covering the total section area, a proportionator sampling and a systematic, uniform random sampling were simulated. We found that the proportionator was 50% to 90% more time efficient than systematic, uniform random sampling. The time efficiency of the autodisector on virtual slides was 60% to 100% better than the disector on tissue slides. We conclude that both the proportionator and the autodisector on virtual slides may improve efficiency of cell counting in stereology.
Pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep and distress comprised a symptom cluster that related to quality of life and functional status of lung cancer surgery patients
Authors: Lin Shuanglan , Chen Yanhan , Yang Liu , Zhou Jianrong 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the common symptom cluster in lung cancer patients with surgical treatment and to evaluate the relationships between symptom cluster and patients’ disease outcomes, including functional status and quality of life.BackgroundLung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death for both men and women, and its incidence is increasing in China. Growing number of researches confirmed that symptoms in lung cancer patients with chemotherapy and radiotherapy occurred as ‘symptom cluster’ across the disease trajectory and influenced disease outcomes. However, few studies focused on the symptom cluster and its effects on quality of life and functional status of lung cancer surgery patients.DesignThis is a descriptive, cross‐sectional design.MethodsSymptoms in lung cancer surgery were assessed by M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, Karnofsky Performance Scale and Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients – Lung Cancer. One hundred and forty‐five individuals were involved in the survey.ResultsThe top four common and most severe symptoms were pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep and distress for lung cancer surgery patients. 4·8% (n = 7) and 17·2% (n = 25) of patients reported co‐occurrence of two or three symptoms of pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep and distress. About 76·6% (n = 111) of patients reported co‐occurrence of all the four symptoms. There were strong negative relationships between the top four symptoms and Karnofsky Performance Scale and Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients – Lung Cancer scores.ConclusionPain, fatigue, disturbed sleep and distress constituted the common symptom cluster during the disease trajectory in patients with lung cancer who got surgical treatment and negatively affected their quality of life and functional status.Relevance to clinical practiceSymptoms in lung cancer surgery patients often occurred as cluster during the trajectory of disease. To improve the well‐being of patients, attentions need to be focused on developing symptom cluster management strategies.
On nurses moving from public to private hospitals in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Zenobia CY , Tam WS , Lung Maggie KY , Wong WY , Chau CW 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the reasons why nurses leave public hospitals for the private sector.BackgroundWhile the global shortage of nurses is aggravating, this problem in public hospitals in Hong Kong is worsened by the trend of nurses moving to private hospitals. Thus, it is important to understand from the perspective of nurses the reasons affecting their decision to stay or leave a hospital.DesignQualitative approach using narrative analysis.MethodsData were collected using individual semistructured interviews. Twelve participants who had moved to a private hospital from a public hospital were encouraged to explain why they had made the move. Crossley's analytic method was adopted to analyse the collected data.ResultsThe nurses’ stories were categorised into five sections: ‘life in public hospitals’, ‘decision‐making’, ‘life in the private hospitals’, ‘future plans’ and ‘values and beliefs’.ConclusionsThe results are consistent with those of previous studies showing that job satisfaction and demographic factors play significant roles in the decision of nurses to switch to another hospital. This study revealed specific reasons why the nurses made the move, such as the fairness of the remuneration policy, significant people and stressors.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results have relevance for hospital management with regard to strategies to consider when addressing the issues of staff retention and recruitment.