bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the roles of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 in prostate cancer development and progression
Authors: Fu Xian , Ren Ligang , Chen Jing , Liao Kaisen , Fu Yu , Qian Xiaoyu , Xiao Jiaquan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAs negative feedback regulators of cytokine signaling, suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins are induced by interleukins and various peptide hormones and may prevent sustained activation of signaling pathways. In particular, suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOCS‐3) plays pivotal roles in the development and progression of various cancers and exerts pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In recent years, abnormal expression of SOCS‐3 and its multiple functions have been extensively investigated in human carcinomas, particularly in prostate cancer. SOCS‐3 can act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cellular context. In this review, we focus on the role of SOCS‐3 in prostate cancer development and prognosis, as well as the potential of SOCS‐3 as a therapeutic target and diagnostic marker.
Consistency of written post‐operative patient information for common urological procedures
Authors: Davies Nicholas , Papa Nathan , Ischia Joseph , Bolton Damien , Lawrentschuk Nathan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundFollowing urological procedures, it is common for patients to receive written handouts containing pertinent post‐operative information and advice. This study aims to assess the consistency of procedure‐specific post‐operative advice provided to patients in Australia.MethodsPost‐operative handouts for common urological procedures were obtained from a selection of Australian hospitals and practising urologists' websites. Handouts were examined for consistency with regard to post‐operative advice and the Flesch–Kincaid grade level was calculated to determine readability.ResultsIn total, 209 handouts were reviewed comprising seven urological procedures. The majority of handouts provided information regarding expected symptoms (88%) and when to seek medical attention (70.8%). Overall, 85.2% of handouts provided advice about which activities should and should not be performed. Instructions for return to work (32.1%), driving (45.5%), sex (32.1%) and physical activity (56%) were less universal. Infection, bleeding, pain and swelling were the principal reasons to seek medical attention. Duration of expected symptoms and timing for resuming normal activities were the most common sources of discordance between handouts. The mean Flesch–Kincaid grade level was 9.7 with a range of 6.7 to 13.6. Only 9.6% of patient information handouts had a grade level of 8 or less and no handouts were at or below the suggested grade 6 readability level.ConclusionsThere is a significant degree of variability in written post‐operative advice provided to patients in Australia. Individual surgeons and hospitals should provide specific and tailored advice directly to their own patients, written at a grade level suitable for the majority to understand.
Insurance status and time to completion of surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Solomon Matthew , Cochrane Colin T. , Grieve David A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the time to re‐operation, following inadequate loco‐regional surgery for breast cancer, between the public and private sectors of the Sunshine Coast region.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of the medical records of all female patients undergoing guide wire‐localized, breast‐conserving surgery at Nambour General Hospital and in the local private sector from January 2009 until April 2010. The dates of initial consultation, operation, post‐operative consultation and any subsequent reoperation were recorded.ResultsOne hundred and seventeen public sector patients and 113 private sector patients were identified during the study period. Thirty‐seven public patients (32%) and 46 private patients (41%) required re‐operation. This difference was not significant (χ2 = 2.06, degrees of freedom (df) = 1, P = 0.15). The mean time and standard error from the initial consultation to the first operation and re‐operation in the public sector was 26 (2.3) and 62 (3.8) days, and in the private sector was 12 (1.2) and 30 (4.4) days, respectively P < 0.001. On average, 70% of public patients and 96% of private patients completed the surgical component of their breast cancer management within the Queensland Health‐recommended time frame of 30 days (χ2 = 26, df = 1, P < 0.001).ConclusionWhile experiencing similar rates of re‐operative surgery in breast cancer management in the public and private sectors, the private sector deals with this issue in a more time efficient manner. An opportunity for intervention by quarantining theatre time is explored to improve the public sector time management.
Type 1 and type 2 autoimmune hepatitis in adults share the same clinical phenotype
Authors: Muratori P. , Lalanne C. , Fabbri A. , Cassani F. , Lenzi M. , Muratori L. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is historically classified into type 1 and type 2 on the basis of the autoantibody profile, anti‐nuclear and/or anti‐smooth muscle antibodies being the serological markers of type 1 AIH, whereas anti‐liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 and/or anti‐liver cytosol antibody type 1 characterise type 2 AIH.AimTo evaluate whether such a distinction is justified on the basis of different expression of the disease in adults.MethodsTwenty‐six adult patients with type 2 AIH and 52 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with type 1 AIH, representative of the entire cohort of adults with type 1 AIH, were compared at onset and during follow‐up.ResultsAt diagnosis, median age was 26 years (range 17–53), female sex 86%, acute presentation 43%, severe liver histology 54%, cirrhosis 14%, complete response to treatment 52%, progression of the disease 17%, and median disease duration 72 months (range 12–280). HLA‐DRB1*0301 was present in 26%, HLA‐DRB1*0401 in 23% and HLA‐DRB1*0701 in 25%. Clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, severe liver histology, genetic profile, response rate and progression of the disease were identical between type 1 and type 2 AIH.ConclusionThere is not enough clinical, biochemical, histological or genetic reason to subdivide adults with autoimmune hepatitis into type 1 and type 2 on the basis of the autoantibody profile, and the term ‘autoimmune hepatitis’ without qualification should be preferred.
Performance management in a benchmarking regime: Quebec's municipal management indicators
Authors: Charbonneau Étienne , Bellavance François 
Published: April 2015

AbstactWe study the occurrence of performance management in a provincially mandated, yet flexible, municipal performance regime in Quebec. Statistical analyses of the determinants of general, management, budgeting and reporting uses of performance information are performed for 321 municipalities. We combined perception data of uses and internal characteristics with archival data on socioeconomic and political characteristics and performance of municipal services. Our results reveal that the propensity of using performance information is not affected by operating in a small municipality or evolving in a hotly disputed political environment. The strongest predictors of performance management are performance and managerial attitudes facing performance measurement.
Health system performance reporting in Canada: Bridging theory and practice at pan‐Canadian level
Authors: Veillard Jeremy , Tipper Brenda , Allin Sara 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPublic reporting is increasingly used to enhance accountability and transparency and stimulate performance improvement in the public sector. In Canada performance reporting in the health sector is still in development, and involves a large number of actors. This article reports on the results of a recent intervention by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) to develop a platform for pan‐Canadian performance reporting (http://www.yourhealthsystem.cihi.ca). It describes approaches taken to: develop a conceptual framework; engage the public in the definition of performance reporting priorities; and select indicators for public reporting. This article also discusses conceptual, methodological and operational challenges as well as a proposed evaluation strategy.
Moral Psychological Perspectives on Distributive Justice and Societal Inequalities
Authors: Arsenio William F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractConcerns are growing about how societal resources are distributed in the United States and other countries. In this article, I argue that social domain theory (SDT), an approach within moral psychology, offers conceptual and methodological tools for addressing developmental changes in how individuals understand and morally evaluate the distribution of national resources. I summarize research indicating that American adults and adolescents underestimate actual levels of wealth inequality, while also sharing a consensus about ideal distribution of wealth that is far more equalitarian than their estimates of existing inequality. Then, I use several core features of SDT to examine age‐related changes in how adolescents begin to integrate moral (e.g., fairness) and nonmoral (e.g., efficiency) considerations when they think about how to distribute wealth and other societal resources. The overall focus of this review is on identifying and beginning to examine the intersection of moral psychology, political philosophy, and economic trends.
Emotion Analysis and Classification: Understanding the Performers' Emotions Using the LMA Entities
Authors: Aristidou Andreas , Charalambous Panayiotis , Chrysanthou Yiorgos 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe increasing availability of large motion databases, in addition to advancements in motion synthesis, has made motion indexing and classification essential for better motion composition. However, in order to achieve good connectivity in motion graphs, it is important to understand human behaviour; human movement though is complex and difficult to completely describe. In this paper, we investigate the similarities between various emotional states with regards to the arousal and valence of the Russell's circumplex model. We use a variety of features that encode, in addition to the raw geometry, stylistic characteristics of motion based on Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). Motion capture data from acted dance performances were used for training and classification purposes. The experimental results show that the proposed features can partially extract the LMA components, providing a representative space for indexing and classification of dance movements with regards to the emotion. This work contributes to the understanding of human behaviour and actions, providing insights on how people express emotional states using their body, while the proposed features can be used as complement to the standard motion similarity, synthesis and classification methods.
Identifying endpoints to predict the influence of immunosuppression on long‐term kidney graft survival
Authors: Srinivas Titte R. , Oppenheimer Federico 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIdentifying a short‐term endpoint for use in clinical trials that accurately reflects the influence of specific immunosuppressive regimens on long‐term kidney graft survival is challenging. The number, timing, type (T‐cell‐mediated or antibody mediated), and severity of biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) episodes in terms of histological changes and functional impact are highly influential for graft prognosis, and a crude measure of overall acute rejection incidence alone is unlikely to be a robust predictor of graft outcome. A series of studies has shown remarkably consistent results in terms of the cutoff point for one‐yr renal function which predicts poor long‐term graft survival, indicating that a threshold of 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 is likely to be appropriate. Estimated glomerular filtration rate at one yr post‐transplant discriminates effectively among immunosuppressive regimens with regard to graft survival, primarily calcineurin inhibitor reduction strategies. Several other factors that can affect graft survival, such as pathological changes in the graft, may be partly influenced by the immunosuppressive regimen, but the contribution of drug therapy is difficult to define. A combined approach in which both treated BPAR and renal function at one yr are used to assess novel immunosuppressive regimens appears to be promising as the emphasis shifts toward sustaining kidney allograft survival over the long term.
Ribosomal RNA methyltransferases contribute to Staphylococcus aureus virulence
Authors: Kyuma Tatsuhiko , Kimura Satoshi , Hanada Yuichi , Suzuki Tsutomu , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Kaito Chikara 
Published: April 2015

Post‐transcriptional modifications in rRNA, such as methylation, are observed in functionally important regions of the ribosome. The methyltransferases responsible for these modifications work as housekeeping enzymes to fine‐tune ribosomal function, and the roles of some methyltransferases become more evident under stress conditions. Recently, the 16S rRNA methyltransferases RsmI and RsmH, which are responsible for cytidine dimethylation at the decoding center of the ribosome, were identified in Escherichia coli. The physiological relevance of the rRNA modification, however, remains obscure. We identified rsmI and rsmH as novel virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus using a silkworm infection model. These genes induced 2′‐O‐ and N4‐methylations, respectively, of m4Cm1412 of S. aureus 16S rRNA. Deletion of either rsmI or rsmH in S. aureus attenuated the virulence of S. aureus in silkworms, and led to its sensitivity to oxidative stress. Dual luciferase assay revealed that the double‐knockout strain exhibited decreased translational fidelity under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, administration of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, a free‐radical scavenger, restored the killing ability of the double‐knockout strain against silkworms. These findings suggest that the methyl‐modifications of cytidine at position 1412 in 16S rRNA contribute to S. aureus animal killing by conferring resistance to oxidative stress in host animals.
TM6SF2 Glu167Lys polymorphism is associated with low levels of LDL‐cholesterol and increased liver injury in obese children
Authors: Grandone A. , Cozzolino D. , Marzuillo P. , Cirillo G. , Di Sessa A. , Ruggiero L. , Di Palma M. R. , Perrone L. , Miraglia del Giudice E. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe Glu167Lys (E167K) transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) variant has been associated with liver steatosis, high alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and reduced plasma levels of liver‐derived triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate in a group of obese children the association among the 167K allele of TM6SF2 gene and ALT, cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and hepatic steatosis, and to evaluate the potential interaction between this variant and the I148M patatin like phospholipase 3 gene (PNPLA3) polymorphism on liver enzymes.MethodsWe genotyped 1010 obese children for TM6SF2 E167K and PNPLA3 I148M polymorphisms. Anthropometrical and biochemical data were collected. Ultrasound imaging of the liver was performed.ResultsThe 167K allele showed an association with steatosis (P < 0.0001), higher ALT levels (P < 0.001) and lower total cholesterol (P < 0.00001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.02) and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.000001). The subjects homozygous for the PNPLA3 148M allele carrying the rare variant of TM6SF2 showed an odds ratio of 12.2 (confidence interval 3.8–39.6, P = 0.000001) to present hypertransaminasaemia compared with the remaining patients.ConclusionAlthough the TMS6SF2 E167K variant predisposes the obese children to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, there is an association between this variant and lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, the data suggest differential effects of TMS6SF2 E167K variant on liver and heart health.
Effects of individual reminiscence therapy for older women living alone
Authors: Sok S.R. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe loss of cognitive function and memory interrupts the independent activities of daily living of older women, and it eventually causes role loss, increased dependence, declining self‐esteem and low quality of life.AimTo examine the effects of the individual reminiscence therapy on memory self‐efficacy, memory practice, Mini Mental State Examination and quality of life for older Korean women living alone.MethodsA quasi‐experimental pre‐test–post‐test control group design was employed. Seventy‐eight older women aged 65 and older who were living alone in Seoul and Gyeong‐gi‐do, Korea, was recruited through convenient sampling. Individual reminiscence therapy was applied for 1 h/week in the experimental group (40 subjects) for 4 weeks. A study questionnaire was designed to measure general characteristics, memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and quality of life.ResultsThere were significant differences in the effects of individual reminiscence therapy on memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), and quality of life between experimental and control group.ConclusionIndividual reminiscence therapy was an effective intervention for improving memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), cognitive function and quality of life of older Korean women living alone.Implications for nursing and health policyIndividual reminiscence therapy can be utilized as a nursing intervention for improving memory, cognition and quality of life of older women in the nursing practice. Health policy needs to give attention to health issues of older women living alone. Individual reminiscence therapy can be utilized as a nursing intervention for improving memory, cognition and the quality of life of older women. Health policy needs to give attention to health issues of older women living alone.
Design and Synthesis of CdWO4:Sb3+ Phosphor Based on sp Energy Level Regularities of Sb3+ Ion
Authors: Wang Lili , Li Huibin , Guo Yunhua , Jiang Haiyan , Wang Qiang , Ren Chunyan , Shi Jinsheng 
Published: April 2015

Sb3+‐activated CdWO4 phosphors were designed according to sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ ion in some inorganic compounds. The sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ in dozens of compounds were established with the aid of the dielectric theory of the chemical bond for complex crystals: EA = 6.2187−1.7584he, EB = 7.019−1.957he, EC = 7.259−1.964he. Environmental factor he of Cd site was calculated to be 1.6583 with the refined crystal structure and refractive index of CdWO4:Sb3+. Sb3+‐doped CdWO4 was synthesized through a precipitation method and its structure was refined with the General Structure Analysis System. The transition energy of A band of Sb3+ in CdWO4 can be predicted to be 3.312 eV (374 nm), according to the relationship equation between EA and environmental factor he. By monitoring the 521 nm emission band, the excitation spectrum gives a weak excitation band peaking at 355 nm, which was assigned to the 1S0–3P1 transition of Sb3+ according to our prediction. Thus, Sb3+‐doped CdWO4 phosphor was designed and synthesized successfully based on sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ ion. This work is a great help to understand the spectroscopy of Sb3+ ion and will be useful for the design and development of Sb3+‐doped phosphors for applications.
Gd2O2S: Pr Scintillation Ceramics from Powder Synthesized by a Novel Carbothermal Reduction Method
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Yongsheng , Kou Huamin , Liu Shuping , Liu Heng , Shi Yun , Li Jiang , Feng Xiqi , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun 
Published: April 2015

Gd2O2S: Pr ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering using the powders synthesized by carbothermal reduction method. The calcination temperature, carbon content, and other preparation conditions of the powders are optimized. The results indicate that the carbon content in the raw mixture has a great influence on the final phases of the phosphor powders. A possible reaction process and mechanism are also proposed. The spectroscopic properties of Gd2O2S: Pr phosphors and ceramics are studied by the photoluminescence (PL) and X‐ray excitation luminescence (XEL) spectra, in which show a green emission at 513 nm was detected as the main emission under the UV and X‐ray excitation.
Non‐target effects of insecticides, entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes applied against western corn rootworm larvae in maize
Authors: Babendreier D. , Jeanneret P. , Pilz C. , Toepfer S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractField studies were conducted in southern Hungary over two field seasons to assess potential non‐target effects of entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae), clothianidin‐coated seeds and tefluthrin granules applied into the soil against larvae of the chrysomelid Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, one of the major North American and European maize pests. From field gauze cages set up over groups of maize plants, 1944 specimens of non‐target ground‐dwelling or emerging arthropods from 22 taxa were collected. The most abundant taxa belonged to the Diptera, Araneae and Hemiptera. Multivariate statistics revealed significant effects of soil conditions, year and treatments on non‐target species composition. Soil parameters explained 10.5% of the overall variability in species composition. The application of biological control agents or insecticides for the control of Diabrotica larvae, together only slightly but significantly influenced non‐target species composition, explaining 5.6% of the data variability. When pairwise comparisons were conducted, no significant effects on non‐target compositions were detected for the entomopathogenic nematode, the entomopathogenic fungus, tefluthrin or clothianidin. However, clothianidin treatments tended to reduce densities of the beneficial arthropod taxa Coccinellidae, Hymenoptera, Araneae, and particularly Staphylinidae and Chrysopidae, whilst tefluthrin tended to reduce the Coleopteran families. No such trends were apparent for the two biological control agent treatments. Reasons for the small treatment effects on non‐targets may be the generally poor arthropod diversity in soils of intensive field crops such as maize, as well as the application of all agents into relatively narrow soil areas close to maize plants.
Five practices of efficient factories applied to dental education
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEfficient factories, such as dental school clinics (DSC), are trying to improve the quality of their product by reducing inefficiencies, error rates, and wastage. Dental education is an expensive business for the student and the institution. Dental materials and equipment are costly, and students are novice providers who work slowly and inefficiently compared to an experienced dentist; this is not a good business model. The objective of this article was to present and apply five practices of efficient factories that could be applied to the DSC setting. I propose that this will lead to improved educational outcomes and improved patient outcomes in DSC.