bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cilostazol attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and protects mice against carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Saito Shunichi , Hata Koichiro , Iwaisako Keiko , Yanagida Atsuko , Takeiri Masatoshi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kageyama Shoichi , Hirao Hirofumi , Ikeda Kazuo , Asagiri Masataka , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: April 2013

AimLiver fibrosis is a common pathway leading to cirrhosis. Cilostazol, a clinically available oral phosphodiesterase‐3 inhibitor, has been shown to have antifibrotic potential in experimental non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the detailed mechanisms of the antifibrotic effect and its efficacy in a different experimental model remain elusive.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were assigned to five groups: mice fed a normal diet (groups 1 and 2); 0.1% or 0.3% cilostazol‐containing diet (groups 3 and 4, respectively); and 0.125% clopidogrel‐containing diet (group 5). Two weeks after feeding, groups 2–5 were intraperitoneally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for 6 weeks, while group 1 was treated with the vehicle alone. To investigate the effects of cilostazol on hepatic cells, in vitro studies were conducted using primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells and hepatocytes with cilostazol supplementation.ResultsSirius red staining revealed that groups 3 and 4 exhibited a lesser fibrotic area (2.49 ± 0.43% and 2.31 ± 0.30%, respectively) than group 2 (3.17 ± 0.67%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). In vitro studies showed cilostazol dose‐dependently suppressed HSC activation (assessed by morphological change, cell proliferation, and the expression of HSC activation markers), suggesting the therapeutic effect of cilostazol is mediated by its direct action on HSC.ConclusionCilostazol could alleviate CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrogenesis in vivo, presumably due, at least partly, to its direct effect to suppress HSC activation. Given its clinical availability and safety, it may be a novel therapeutic intervention for chronic liver diseases.
Limitations to the identification of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in clinical practice
Authors: Morley D , McNamara P , Kennelly S , McMahon G , Bergin C 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to establish the level of awareness of HAND among healthcare providers, the screening tools that are currently used in its detection and factors that limit cognitive assessments.MethodsWe distributed a 12‐item questionnaire to doctors and nurses who work in the Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Disease (GUIDE) service and also to doctors who work in the emergency department (ED) at St James Hospital.Results35 surveys were collected, 54% (n = 19) from the GUIDE service and 46% (n = 16) from the ED. 82% (n = 29) of participants were doctors from interns to consultants. There was reasonable appreciation among participants with regards the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (estimated at 29.1% among patients on HAART, and 39.3% among patients not on HAART). Screening tools were rarely used by GUIDE and ED clinicians (25% vs. 15% of the time). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was previously used by 37% (n = 13) of the group. Very few people had used the HIV Dementia Scale (HIVDS) 6% (n = 2). 34% of respondents felt that ‘Orientation in Person, Place and Time was a sufficient screening tool for cognitive assessment’. Lack of time, exposed environment and lack of availability of screening tool were cited as limitations to cognitive screening in the ED environment.ConclusionsThis study examines awareness of HAND among healthcare providers and also reasons for inadequate assessment. There is a need for consensus on screening guidelines. A quick, easy to use and readily available screening tool may have a role in the acute setting in identifying high‐risk patients.
Dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) diversity and seasonality in response to use of macrocyclic lactones at cattle ranches in the mexican neotropics
Authors: Basto‐Estrella Gertrudis S. , Rodríguez‐Vivas Roger I. , Delfín‐González Hugo , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Dung beetles provide recognised environmental services in cattle production systems, but can be negatively affected by the pharmaceutical residues found in excreta, particularly macrocyclic lactones (ML).

The diversity and seasonal abundance of dung beetle communities were measured using baited pitfall traps and compared at four cattle ranches in Yucatan, Mexico, to assess the possible effects of ML residues. Cattle parasite control was performed at two of these ranches using ML.

A total of 93 274 dung beetles from 17 species were collected. The dominant species at all four ranches were Onthophagus landolti and Canthon indigaceus chevrolati. Compared to ranches where ML was not used, total abundance was higher but richness, evenness and diversity were lower at ranches where ML was used. Five other species were identified as potential indicator species for determining whether there was an effect of ML use at the studied ranches.

Seasonal patterns differed between beetle communities: those found at non‐ML sites occurred in higher abundances in May and July, while those at ML sites had higher abundances in May and June. This was probably because herds on ML sites were treated with ML to control parasites in early July.

The application of ML for controlling cattle parasites was shown to have a negative effect on the diversity and abundance of dung beetles. These results emphasise the need for timing ML use in order to mitigate the adverse impacts on these insects.
Prostate HistoScanning: A screening tool for prostate cancer?
Authors: De Coninck Vincent , Braeckman Johan , Michielsen Dirk 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate Prostate HistoScanning as a screening tool for prostate cancer in a pilot study.MethodsDuring a 6‐month period, 94 men with normal or suspicious digital rectal examination, normal or elevated prostate‐specific antigen, or an increased prostate‐specific antigen velocity were examined with Prostate HistoScanning. Based on these parameters and HistoScanning analysis, 41 men were referred for prostate biopsy under computer‐aided ultrasonographic guidance. The number of random biopsy cores varied depending on the prostate volume. Targeted biopsies were taken in the case of computer‐aided ultrasonographic area suspicious for malignancy. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of resulting in a positive prostate biopsy based on the HistoScanning findings.ResultsFollowing a logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, digital rectal examination, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate volume and tumor lesion volume, every cancer volume increase of 1 mL estimated by HistoScanning was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the probability of resulting in a positive biopsy (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2–7.0; P‐value 0.02). Prostate cancer was found in 17 of 41 men (41%). In patients with cancer, computer‐aided ultrasonography‐guided biopsy was 4.5‐fold more likely to detect cancer than random biopsy. The prostate cancer detection rate for random biopsy and directed biopsy was 13% and 58%, respectively. HistoScanning‐guided biopsy significantly decreased the number of biopsies necessary (P‐value <0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Prostate HistoScanning might be helpful for the selection of patients in whom prostate biopsies are necessary. This imaging technique can be used to direct biopsies in specific regions of the prostate with a higher cancer detection rate.
Migration and Family Happiness in Bolivia: Does Social Disintegration Negate Economic Well‐being?
Authors: Jones Richard C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractVarious authors have begun to address the social impacts of international migration on families left behind. Family disintegration results from two separate factors: family separation and the loss of traditional values. Findings from this research (based on a random survey of over 400 households in three municipios of the central part of the state of Cochabamba, Bolivia, in the autumn of 2007) indicate that economic well‐being made possible by migration increases levels of professed family happiness. However, family disintegration resulting from migration decreases family happiness even more, with the net result that migrant households are considerably less happy than non‐migrant households. It is suggested that this result can be traced to the dynamic conflict between the traditional, group‐focused image of change prior to migration (engendering feelings of togetherness and security) and the modern, ego‐focused image of change that is a major social remittance of migration (generating competition and role insecurity).
Day Labourers' Work Related Injuries: An Assessment of Risks, Choices, and Policies
Authors: Meléndez Edwin , Anne Visser M. , Valenzuela Abel , Theodore Nik 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLiterature and theory surrounding the informal economy in international contexts suggest that informal work arrangements may entail assuming various levels of risk, and that the higher the level of risk in an employment arrangement, the higher the premium paid to the worker. This study is designed to assess if a wage compensation for risk exists within the United States' day labour job market ‐ the most visible sector of the United States' informal economy. Using data from the 2005 National Day Labour Survey we find a statistically significant wage premium indicating that a risk‐wage tradeoff within the day labour informal economy exists. Ultimately, we argue that current policy interventions facilitated through day labour centres into the day labour market appear to be effective in mitigating the risks associated with this type of employment.

Evidence of a risk‐wage premium in the day labour market suggests there is an incentive to assume higher levels of risk in work arrangements which presents significant concerns for worker safety.

Higher levels of work related risks assumed by day labourers, may be minimized if they receive proper safety training through a formal venue such as a worker centre.

Worker centres only serve 20 per cent of all day labourers in the United States, suggesting a need for the establishment of additional worker centres in other connected or industry based work sites, to help mitigate potential work related risks and injuries in the day labour market.
Parents' reasons for brushing or not brushing their child's teeth: a qualitative study
Authors: Trubey Rob J. , Moore Simon C. , Chestnutt Ivor G. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundDespite recent improvements in oral health, dental caries remains a significant source of morbidity for young children. Research has shown that regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of dental caries, but the factors that influence parental decisions about whether or not to brush their infant children's teeth at home are poorly understood.AimTo develop an in‐depth understanding of the issues that parents face from socio‐economically deprived areas when trying to brush their young children's teeth at home.DesignFifteen parents of children aged 3–6 years took part in semi‐structured telephone interviews, discussing factors relating to brushing their child's teeth at home. Thematic analysis was used to develop three themes.ResultsParents discussed the difficulty of brushing their children's teeth in the evening, due to changing day‐to‐day routines, and the subsequent difficulty of forming a toothbrushing habit. Motivating factors for brushing children's teeth were largely short term. Satisfaction with brushing frequency was influenced more by perceptions of how often other parents brushed children's teeth than by the ‘twice a day’ norm or health outcomes.ConclusionResults are discussed in relation to research and theories from the psychology and behavioural economics literature, and comparisons are drawn with assumptions inherent in more traditional oral health promotion messages.
Le travail dans les accords de préférence commerciale: état des lieux et perspectives
Authors: SIROËN Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2013

Résumé.Alors même que l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) et le Cycle de développement de Doha laissent à l'OIT le soin de traiter les questions relatives au travail, cet article montre que les pays les plus actifs dans la conclusion d'accords de préférence commerciale incluent des dispositions sociales plus ou moins contraignantes. Les sanctions sont peu utilisées et le caractère protectionniste des «clauses sociales» n'est pas avéré. Ces clauses répondent à des objectifs divers et parfois contradictoires qui appellent différentes mesures qui s'orientent vers la promotion du renforcement des pratiques et la promotion du travail décent. L'auteur émet un certain nombre de suggestions à cet égard.
Testosterone replacement therapy does not promote priapism in hypogonadal men with sickle cell disease: 12‐month safety report
Authors: Morrison B. F. , Reid M. , Madden W. , Burnett A. L. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryHypogonadism, which is highly prevalent in men with sickle cell disease (SCD), affects quality of life and causes great morbidity. The safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in SCD in relation to priapism episodes is relatively unknown. Our aim was to monitor the safety of TRT in a cohort of seven hypogonadal men with SCD. Testosterone undecanoate (Nebido) 1 g was administered intramuscularly to adult men with homozygous SCD (Hb SS) having hypogonadism [serum total testosterone ≤12.0 nmol/L (346 ng/dL), reference range 12.5–38.1 nmol/L (360–1098 ng/dL)] for 12 months. Serum total testosterone, haemoglobin, haematocrit, renal and liver function tests, glucose and PSA measurements were done at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up. Trough serum total testosterone, haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured three monthly. Priapism events and adverse drug events were assessed every 3 months. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male (ADAM) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaires were administered at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Seven men with a mean age of 34.4 years were treated. Median total testosterone increased from 10.6 to 11.2 nmol/L (p = 0.46). Median serum lactate dehydrogenase levels decreased from 1445 to 1143.5 IU/L (p < 0.05), while all other laboratory indices remained stable. Injection site pain was the most frequently reported adverse event, with no increases in painful crises, hypersensitivity or oedema. After TRT, there was no significant increase in priapism frequency. Median questionnaire scores were increased for the IIEF (46–68, p = 0.018), reduced for ADAM (5.0–2.0, p = 0.016) and unchanged for WHOQOL (98–103, p = 0.086). TRT using testosterone undecanoate with eugonadal intent for hypogonadism appears to be safe in men with SCD. This treatment does not appear to promote priapism occurrences and rather it possibly improves sexual function. Future prospective evaluations in larger groups of hypogonadal men with SCD are necessary to confirm these findings.
Conductivity, Dielectric Loss, and Electrical Heterogeneous Microstructure of Eight‐Layer Twinned Hexagonal Perovskite Ceramics Ba8CuTa6O24−δ
Authors: Yu Xiaodi , Chai Shiqiang , Kuang Xiaojun , Su Congxue , Pan Fengjuan , Fang Liang , Su Qiang 
Published: April 2013

Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics possess exceptionally high microwave dielectric loss among the eight‐layer twinned hexagonal perovskite Ba8MTa6O24 (M = Zn, Co, Ni, Mg, Cu) analogs. Impedance spectroscopy measurement demonstrates that the eight‐layer Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics show the electrical heterogeneous microstructure, consisting of leaky insulating grains and more resistive grain boundary regions. This induced internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effects on Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics. The heterogeneous electrical microstructure is associated with partial reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ and oxygen loss during the sintering procedure and limited reoxidization along grain boundary regions on cooling. The existence of Cu+ in Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramic is confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. The leaky insulating bulk property for the Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics is compared with the highly insulating bulk behavior of other low dielectric loss analogs, which indicates that the significant defects of Cu+ and oxygen vacancies are responsible for the high microwave dielectric loss of the Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics.
Stories of chronic kidney disease: listening for the unsayable
Authors: Makaroff Kara L. Schick , Sheilds Laurene , Molzahn Anita 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsTo explore individuals' stories of chronic kidney disease, particularly those aspects of experience that are difficult to discuss using language (i.e. unsayable).BackgroundChronic kidney disease is continuous, but it is also life‐threatening and sometimes people ask difficult questions about life and death that can be challenging and for some, impossible to discuss. These ‘unsayables’ are the focus of this article. The unsayable may reside both within and beyond language. Careful analysis of narratives of illness for sayable and unsayable aspects of the experience can help illuminate new areas of concern for people with chronic kidney disease.DesignNarrative inquiry, located in a social constructionist framework, guided this study.MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted with 46 in‐depth interviews (collected between 2008–2011) with 14 people living with chronic kidney disease.FindingsThrough narrative thematic analysis, we identify that the unsayable includes the following five themes: living with death, embodied experiences that were difficult to language, that which was unthinkable, unknowable mystery and that which was untold/unheard. Whereas the first four themes attend to that which is unsayable for people living with chronic kidney disease, the last theme acknowledges that which is unsayable to people living with chronic kidney disease.ConclusionNot all experiences of illness can be explicitly articulated in language. Listening for both the sayable and unsayable aspects of life with chronic and life‐threatening illness is an important nursing role.
Re‐examining definitions of spirituality in nursing research
Authors: Reinert Katia Garcia , Koenig Harold G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimTo discuss the definition of spirituality and its limitations for nursing research. It proposes a definition that will capture more accurately the role of spirituality in health outcomes.BackgroundStudies have increasingly examined spirituality in nursing research as a coping mechanism attenuating the negative impact of traumatic stress on mental health. Existing definitions of spirituality in nursing research include elements of positive emotional states (meaning, purpose, general well‐being) which confound mental health outcomes.Data sourcesMedline andCINAHLdatabases were searched from 2007–2011 for research articles examining spirituality definitions and measures used by nurse researchers.DiscussionAn analysis of the definitions of spirituality in nursing research reveals inconsistencies and confounding mental health concepts. The authors propose defining spirituality in the context of religious involvement when conducting research, while using a broader definition of spirituality when providing spiritual care. They argue such definition provides a more appropriate method of measuring this concept in research aimed at evaluating mental health outcomes while preserving the currently used patient‐defined definition of spirituality when providing spiritual care.Nursing implicationsA consistent definition of spirituality in nursing research evaluating mental health outcomes, distinct from ‘spiritual care’ in a clinical setting, is essential to avoid tautological results that are meaningless. Appropriate definitions will enable nursing researchers to more clearly identify resilience mechanisms and improved health outcomes in those exposed to traumatic stress.ConclusionA definition of spirituality that focuses on religious involvement provides a more uniform and consistent measure for evaluating mental health outcomes in nursing research.
The challenges of long‐distance relationships: the effects of psychological distance between service provider and consumer on the efforts to recover from service failure
Authors: Lii Yuan‐Shuh , Chien Charles S. , Pant Anurag , Lee Monle 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a model of the effects of recovery level in terms of distributive, procedural, and interactional dimensions on consumer attitudes (satisfaction and trust) and their subsequent effects on behavioral intentions. Service medium (online and offline) is considered as a moderating variable in the perspective of psychological distance. Findings reveal that the effects of recovery levels on satisfaction and trust are greater in the offline medium than in the online medium. Moreover, in both low and high recovery situations, offline customers are more satisfied and have higher levels of trust than do online customers. As expected, satisfaction with service recovery plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer's trust and behavioral intentions.
Dimensional alterations of extraction sites after different alveolar ridge preservation techniques – a volumetric study
Authors: Thalmair Tobias , Fickl Stefan , Schneider David , Hinze Marc , Wachtel Hannes 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this randomized controlled clinical study was to assess soft tissue contour changes after different alveolar ridge preservation procedures.Material and MethodsFollowing tooth extraction, 30 patients were randomly assigned to the following treatments (Tx) ‐ Tx 1: xenogenic bone substitute (pre‐hydrated collagenated cortico‐cancellous porcine bone) and free gingival graft; Tx 2: free gingival graft alone; Tx 3: xenogenic bone substitute; Tx 4: no further treatment (control). Impressions were obtained before tooth extraction (baseline) and 4 months after surgery. Cast models were optically scanned, digitally superimposed and horizontal measurements of the contour alterations between time points were performed using digital imaging analysis.ResultsAll groups displayed contour shrinkage at the buccal aspect ranging from a mean horizontal reduction of −0.8 ± 0.5 mm (Tx 1) to −2.3 ± 1.1 mm (control). Statistically significant differences were found between Tx 1 and Tx 4 as well as Tx 2 and Tx 4. A significant positive influence of the free gingival graft on the maintenance of the ridge width was recorded (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn this study, alveolar ridge preservation techniques were not able to entirely compensate for alveolar ridge reduction. Covering the orifice of the extraction socket with a free gingival tissue graft seems to have the potential to limit but not avoid the post‐operative external contour shrinkage based on optical scans.