bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism is associated with spontaneous viral clearance in the HCV‐infected Chinese population
Authors: Sun Haibo , Pan Yu , Wu Ruihong , Lv Juan , Chi Xiumei , Wang Xiaomei , Tu ZhengKun , Zhong Jin , Sun Bing , Liu Yang , Jiang Jing , Niu Junqi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsHost immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a vital factor involved in both viral clearance and liver disease pathogenesis. CD24 plays an important role in inflammation and immune response and CD24 polymorphisms are associated with risk and progression of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Our study evaluated whether CD24 polymorphisms affect HCV clearance.MethodsWe genotyped 544 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, 78 spontaneous hepatitis C clearance (SHC) patients and 215 healthy controls for CD24 gene variants at positions −P534, P170, P1527 and IFNL3 rs12979860 by pyrosequencing. In CHC patients, 362 individuals were treated with a recombinant IFN‐α2b/ribavirin combination for 48 weeks and were followed up for an additional 24 weeks. Lymphocyte CD24 expression was analysed by flow cytometry.ResultsWe show that P170 CT and CT/TT genotypes were over‐represented in the SHC group compared to CHC patients (62.8% vs. 47.2% and 75.6% vs. 60.3%, for respective polymorphisms). In multivariate logistic analysis, P170 (CD24 Ala57Val) polymorphism was an independent predictor of SHC (adjusted OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.19–3.73, P = 0.010 for CT genotype; OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.15–3.49, P = 0.014 for CT/TT genotype). No significant associations were found between the CD24 polymorphisms and treatment‐induced viral clearance in log‐rank analysis and Cox regression analysis. Patients with the CT/TT genotype had greater T‐cell CD24 expression than patients with the CC genotype.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism and associated variations in CD24 expression may be an important predictor for SHC, but have no effect on antiviral drug treatment response in Chinese CHC patients.
Liver regeneration and energetic changes in rats following hepatic radiation therapy and hepatocyte transplantation by 31P MRSI
Authors: Landis Charles S. , Zhou Hongchao , Liu Laibin , Hetherington Hoby P. , Guha Chandan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsRadiation‐induced liver damage (RILD) is a poorly understood and potentially devastating complication of hepatic radiation therapy (RT) for liver cancers. Previous work has demonstrated that hepatocyte transplantation (HT) can ameliorate RILD in rats. We hypothesized that RT inhibits generation of cellular ATP and suppresses hepatic regeneration.MethodsTo study the metabolic changes that occur in RILD with and without HT, 31P MRSI data were acquired in rats treated with partial hepatectomy (PH) alone, PH with hepatic irradiation (PHRT) or PHRT with HT (PHRT+HT).ResultsBoth [γ ‐ATP] and ATP/Pi 31P MRSI signal ratio initially decreased and subsequently returned to baseline levels within 2 weeks after PH, which is consistent with other published data. Persistently reduced [γ‐ATP] and ATP/Pi 31P MRSI signal ratio were observed in rats up to 20 weeks after PHRT. However, progressive increases in [γ ‐ATP] were observed over time in the group of rats receiving PHRT+HT. Normal [γ ‐ATP] was observed 20 weeks after PHRT+HT (vs. PH alone), although, ATP/Pi levels did not return to normal after PHRT +HT. Ex vivo histological studies were performed to confirm liver repopulation with transplanted hepatocytes and the amelioration of pathologic changes of RILD.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that 31P MRSI can be used to monitor the progress of RILD and its amelioration using transplanted hepatocytes to simultaneously restore metabolic function while replacing host hepatocytes damaged by RT.
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the deceased donor: impact on early post‐transplant liver allograft function
Authors: Mangus Richard S , Fridell Jonathan A , Kubal Chandrashekhar A , Davis Jason P , Joseph Tector A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsSerum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are frequently elevated with liver injury and such elevations are common in deceased organ donors. The impact of this injury on early liver allograft function has not been well described. This study analyses the immediate function and 1‐year graft and patient survival for liver allografts stratified by peak serum ALT levels in the deceased donor.MethodsThe on‐site organ procurement records for 1348 consecutive deceased liver donors were reviewed (2001–2011). Serum ALT was categorized into three study groups: normal/mild elevation, 0–499 μ/L; moderate elevation, 500–999 μ/L (>10× upper limit of normal) and severe elevation, ≥1000 μ/L (>20× upper limit of normal). Outcomes included early graft function and graft loss, and 1‐year graft and patient survival.ResultsDistribution of subjects included: normal/mild, 1259 (93%); moderate, 34 (3%) and severe, 55 (4%). Risk of 30‐day graft loss for the three study groups was: 72 (6%), 3 (9%) and 3 (6%) (P = 0.74). Graft and patient survival at 1 year for the three groups was: normal/mild, 1031 (87%), 1048 (88%); moderate, 31 (91%), 31 (91%) and severe, 43 (88%), 44 (90%) (P = 0.71, 0.79). Cox proportional hazards modelling of survival while controlling for donor age and recipient model for end‐stage liver disease score (MELD) demonstrates no statistically significant difference among the three study groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates clinical equivalence in early graft function and 1‐year graft and patient survival for donor livers with varying peak levels of serum ALT. These donor allografts may, therefore, be utilized successfully.
Accommodation and the politics of fiscal equalization in multinational states: The case of Canada
Authors: Béland Daniel , Lecours André 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe politics of accommodation in multinational states sometimes features an important, yet often overlooked, fiscal dimension. In fact, the scholarly literature on the accommodation of nationalist movements emphasizes territorial autonomy, access to power and representation within central institutions, and the promotion of the state national identity, but it is virtually silent on how patterns of territorial fiscal redistribution, and more specifically programs of horizontal fiscal equalization, may contribute to accommodating sub‐state nationalism. This article looks at the Canadian case and analyses the multidimensional relationship between equalization policy and Québécois nationalism. It explains how a key motivation behind the creation of Canada's fiscal equalization program in 1957 was to “end” the institutional and political isolation of Québec and how equalization may have, thereafter, contributed to making Québec's secession less appealing to a good number of Quebeckers than it would have been in the absence of this program. Simultaneously, the article discusses how equalization may have contributed to a certain political backlash against Québec in the other provinces, thus providing mixed evidence in the assessment of the accommodation potential of equalization policy.
‘Singing oneself into a nation’? Estonian song festivals as rituals of political mobilisation
Authors: Brüggemann Karsten , Kasekamp Andres 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article argues that Estonian song festivals were a powerful ritual of political mobilisation. Throughout their history, however, they had to be accommodated to narratives of ruling regimes. Taking Patrick Hutton's concept of such events as a ‘moment of memory’ with which images of the past are being reconstructed in a selective way, song festivals are on each occasion made to suit present needs. During the history of Estonian nationhood, these needs have been guided first and foremost by forms of political authority: during years of independence, the festivals were to serve different purposes than under imperial or Soviet Russian rule. Thus, the concept of ‘singing oneself into a nation’, popular in Estonian history textbooks, is only partly true. Although the performance of the festival changes only slightly through the years, its political significance changes enormously.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders accompanying subarachnoid hemorrhage and reversible white matter lesions
Authors: Shirai Shinichi , Mito Yasunori , Nojo Tatsuru , Yaguchi Hiroaki , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Sato Kazunori , Hirotani Makoto , Kano Takahiro , Yabe Ichiro , Sasaki Hidenao 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA 48‐year‐old man was admitted to Tomakomai City Hospital, Tomakomai, Japan, because of intractable hiccups and nausea, and orthostatic hypotension. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings showed a dorsal medullary lesion. Respiratory failure occurred, and he underwent tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation when magnetic resonance imaging showed subarachnoid hemorrhage in addition to enlarged medullary lesions. Serum anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody was positive and the cerebrospinal fluid was bloody. We diagnosed meuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders complicating subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was treated with a steroid. Although extensive white matter lesions occurred transiently, the patient was discharged from the hospital when he became able to walk with the use of the walker on the 52nd day. We suggest that the subarachnoid hemorrhage and transient white matter lesions were associated with vascular damage associated with the meuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Expressions of hope in paediatric intensive care: a reflection on their meaning
Authors: O'Brien Rowena 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe bedside vigil maintained by parents of critically ill children is fuelled by faith, hope and love. While faith and love are generally accepted without question, maintaining hope in the face of almost certain loss can be seen as misguided, almost worse than no hope at all.AimThe aim of this article is to reflect on the issues arising for health care professionals when parents' expressions of hope seem to cast doubt on their understanding of a poor prognosis for their child.MethodUsing Gibbs' model of reflection (1988), an episode of care will be explored, with the intention of resolving this perceived conflict between expression and understanding.ConclusionsBy demonstrating that hopeful statements do not necessarily conflict with an accurate understanding of prognosis, nurses and other health care staff can be freed from the emotional constraints this tension causes them and focus on meeting the needs of the patient and their family.Relevance to clinical practiceDespite the fact that communication skills are taught in clinical training, practitioners may feel underequipped to sensitively confront the challenges posed in caring for dying children and their families. In taking a closer look at what parents' expressions of hope might mean, we can remove barriers to understanding in the parent‐practitioner relationship and provide care that meets their intricate needs.
Disease duration determines health‐related quality of life in adult eosinophilic esophagitis patients
Authors: van Rhijn B. D. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by relapsing symptoms of dysphagia. The quality of life (QoL) of EoE patients is impaired, but risk factors for impaired QoL have not been identified. The chronic nature of the disease, requiring multiple endoscopies and long‐term treatments, and its social implications may be important factors underlying the impaired QoL of EoE patients. We aimed to determine which clinical factors influence the QoL in EoE patients.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we consecutively included 74 adult patients (age 40.3 ± 13.6years, 23% female) diagnosed with EoE according to current guidelines. Patients filled out the SF‐36 health‐related QoL questionnaire and a questionnaire for assessing clinical data. Patients' SF‐36 scores were compared with norm scores from a reference population of 1742 randomly selected subjects.Key ResultsIn EoE patients, vitality (62.1 ± 22.3 vs 68.6 ± 19.3, p = 0.015) and general health (64.4 ± 24.2 vs 70.9 ±20.6, p = 0.024) domains of QoL were decreased, the latter primarily in the 18–25 year age group (50.1 ± 30.5 vs 77.9 ± 17.2, p = 0.006). Disease duration is a risk factor for a low mental component summary score, as identified by univariate regression analysis (OR 1.064 (CI: 1.003–1.128), p = 0.038).Conclusions & InferencesThe QoL is particularly impaired in young adult EoE patients. Disease duration determines the mental QoL. This study offers additional insight into the impact of EoE on patients' lives and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosing and adequately treating EoE.
Biomechanical properties of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit cuticle during development are modulated by changes in the relative amounts of its components
Authors: España Laura , Heredia‐Guerrero José A. , Segado Patricia , Benítez José J. , Heredia Antonio , Domínguez Eva 
Published: February 2014

Summary

In this study, growth‐dependent changes in the mechanical properties of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cuticle during fruit development were investigated in two cultivars with different patterns of cuticle growth and accumulation.

The mechanical properties were determined in uniaxial tensile tests using strips of isolated cuticles. Changes in the functional groups of the cuticle chemical components were analysed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR).

The early stages of fruit growth are characterized by an elastic cuticle, and viscoelastic behaviour only appeared at the beginning of cell enlargement. Changes in the cutin:polysaccharide ratio during development affected the strength required to achieve viscoelastic deformation. The increase in stiffness and decrease in extensibility during ripening, related to flavonoid accumulation, were accompanied by an increase in cutin depolymerization as a result of a reduction in the overall number of ester bonds.

Quantitative changes in cuticle components influence the elastic/viscoelastic behaviour of the cuticle. The cutin:polysaccharide ratio modulates the stress required to permanently deform the cuticle and allow cell enlargement. Flavonoids stiffen the elastic phase and reduce permanent viscoelastic deformation. Ripening is accompanied by a chemical cleavage of cutin ester bonds. An infrared (IR) band related to phenolic accumulation can be used to monitor changes in the cutin esterification index.
Birthweight and the risk of atopic diseases: the ISAAC Phase III study
Authors: Mitchell Edwin A. , Clayton Tadd , García‐Marcos Luis , Pearce Neil , Foliaki Sunia , Wong Gary ,   ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe association between birthweight and asthma, eczema and rhinoconjunctivitis is conflicting.AimsTo examine the association between birthweight and symptoms of asthma, eczema and rhinoconjunctivitis.MethodsParents or guardians of children aged 6–7 yr completed written questionnaires about symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema, and several risk factors, including birthweight.ResultsThere were 162,324 children from 60 centres in 26 countries. Low birthweight (<2.5 kg) was associated with an increased risk of symptoms of asthma (current wheeze odds ratio = 1.20; 95% confidence interval = 1.12–1.30). Low birthweight was associated with a lower risk of eczema ever. Low birthweight was not associated with rhinoconjunctivitis. Large babies (birthweight ≥4.5 kg) were not associated with any of these outcomes.ConclusionsThis study has confirmed that low birthweight is a risk factor for symptoms of asthma, but not for rhinoconjunctivitis. The findings for eczema are equivocal.
The early Ludfordian leintwardinensis graptolite Event and the Gorstian–Ludfordian boundary in Bohemia (Silurian, Czech Republic)
Authors: Štorch Petr , Manda Štěpán , Loydell David K. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe late Gorstian to early Ludfordian hemipelagic succession of the south‐eastern part of the Prague Synform preserves a rich fossil record dominated by 28 species of planktic graptoloids associated with pelagic myodocopid ostracods, pelagic and nektobenthic orthocerid cephalopods, epibyssate bivalves, nektonic phyllocarids, rare dendroid graptolites, brachiopods, crinoids, trilobites, sponges and macroalgae. Faunal dynamics have been studied with particular reference to graptolites. The early Ludfordian leintwardinensis graptolite extinction Event manifests itself as a stepwise turnover of a moderate diversity graptolite fauna rather than an abrupt destruction of a flourishing biota. The simultaneous extinction of the spinose saetograptids Saetograptus clavulus, Saetograptus leintwardinensis and the rare S. sp. B. at the top of the S. leintwardinensis Zone was preceded by a short‐term acme of S. clavulus. Cucullograptus cf. aversus and C. rostratus vanished from the fossil record in the lower part of the Bohemograptus tenuis Biozone. No mass proliferation of Bohemograptus has been observed in the postextinction interval. Limited indigenous speciation gave rise to Pseudomonoclimacis kosoviensis and Pseudomonoclimacis cf. dalejensis. Egregiograptus (the only novel element of cryptic origin) made its earliest occurrence in association with the latest cucullograptids. A postextinction graptolite assemblage of moderate diversity, composed for the most part of long‐ranging taxa, persisted through the middle and upper tenuis Biozone until new rediversification in the Neocucullograptus inexpectatus Biozone. Unlike the graptoloids, the planktic, epiplanktic, nektonic and nektobenthic shelly fauna did not suffer significant extinction in the early Ludfordian. The Gorstian–Ludfordian boundary is placed at the lowest occurrence of S. leintwardinensis in spite of the very modest graptolite record available from the Ludfordian GSSP where no graptolites occur below the basal bed of the Lower Leintwardine Formation. Elsewhere, the Gorstian–Ludfordian boundary has been placed at the base of the Saetograptus linearis Biozone which has been considered roughly correlative with the leintwardinensis Biozone. Indeed, our morphometric study places the worldwide biozonal index species S. linearis in synonymy with S. leintwardinensis and thus considerably enhances the biostratigraphical utility of the latter index species. Pseudomonoclimacis antiqua sp. nov. is described.
Structural Dynamic Deflection Measurement With Range Cameras
Authors: Qi Xiaojuan , Lichti Derek D. , El‐Badry Mamdouh , Chan Ting On , El‐Halawany Sherif Ibrahim , Lahamy Hervé , Steward Jeremy 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTime‐of‐flight range cameras offer numerous advantages for the measurement of dynamic phenomena, thanks to their ability to directly measure three‐dimensional coordinates of objects at video rates using only one sensor. This paper reports the results of an investigation into the development of a range camera based system for measuring the deflection of reinforced concrete beams subjected to cyclic fatigue loading. New data segmentation methods and reconstruction algorithms have been developed to reconstruct the time‐dependent displacement of the beam with sub‐millimetre amplitude and millihertz‐level frequency precision and accuracy in all three dimensions along the entire beam length. Moreover, sub‐millimetre changes in displacement measurements due to stiffness degradation caused by fatigue are also reported.
Temporal features of elevated hair cortisol among earthquake survivors
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhong Ping , Xie Qiaozhen , Wang Haiyang , Jin Jing , Deng Huihua , Lu Zuhong 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect on hair cortisol level of a chronic stress response from the Wenchuan earthquake, and to explore the temporal features of elevated hair cortisol. We recruited two cohorts of earthquake survivors: cohort A consisted of 12 male adults and 8 females and cohort B of 20 male adolescents, with 23 and 29 participants as controls, respectively. Their hair samples closest to the scalp were assayed with mass spectrometry to determine cortisol content. Results revealed that hair cortisol content in survivors of cohort A was significantly higher than in the control. For survivors of cohort B, hair cortisol levels increased 6 and 22 weeks after the earthquake and decreased 43 weeks after the outburst. In conclusion, the chronic stress response elicited by the earthquake resulted in elevated hair cortisol. Timing since the earthquake outburst played an important role in the long‐term response of the HPA axis to a major acute stressor.
Neuroticism relates to daytime wakefulness and sleep devaluation via high neurophysiological efficiency in the bilateral prefrontal cortex: A preliminary study
Authors: Yoshiike Takuya , Kuriyama Kenichi , Honma Motoyasu , Ikeda Hiroki , Kim Yoshiharu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHigher wake promotion against sleep drive boosts cognitive processing, but it also seems to increase the risk of insomnia by reinforcing an obsession with sleep in neurotic patients. To explore whether a personality trait of neuroticism simultaneously facilitates wake‐promoting ability and sleep devaluation via a common regional prefrontal function under a sleep‐restricted condition, working memory tasks were administered to 49 healthy humans after a 2‐h sleep restriction. Higher wake‐promoting ability demonstrated in a high‐load task was correlated with lower bilateral prefrontal activation, as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy. Structural equation modeling revealed that neuroticism predicts sleep devaluation and wake‐promoting ability via left and right regional prefrontal efficiency, respectively. Our results indicate that neuroticism‐related neural efficiency increases resilience to sleepiness, but decreases sleep satisfaction.
Preparation for action: Psychophysiological activity preceding a motor skill as a function of expertise, performance outcome, and psychological pressure
Authors: Cooke Andrew , Kavussanu Maria , Gallicchio Germano , Willoughby Adrian , McIntyre David , Ring Christopher 
Published: February 2014

AbstractKnowledge of the psychophysiological responses that characterize optimal motor performance is required to inform biofeedback interventions. This experiment compared cortical, cardiac, muscular, and kinematic activity in 10 experts and 10 novices as they performed golf putts in low‐ and high‐pressure conditions. Results revealed that in the final seconds preceding movement, experts displayed a greater reduction in heart rate and EEG theta, high‐alpha, and beta power, when compared to novices. EEG high‐alpha power also predicted success, with participants producing less high‐alpha power in the seconds preceding putts that were holed compared to those that were missed. Increased pressure had little impact on psychophysiological activity. It was concluded that greater reductions in EEG high‐alpha power during preparation for action reflect more resources being devoted to response programming, and could underlie successful accuracy‐based performance.