bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired decision-making and brain shrinkage in alcoholism
Authors: Le Berre A.-P. , Rauchs G. , La Joie R. , Mézenge F. , Boudehent C. , Vabret F. , Segobin S. , Viader F. , Allain P. , Eustache F. , Pitel A.-L. , Beaunieux H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAlcohol-dependent individuals usually favor instant gratification of alcohol use and ignore its long-term negative consequences, reflecting impaired decision-making. According to the somatic marker hypothesis, decision-making abilities are subtended by an extended brain network. As chronic alcohol consumption is known to be associated with brain shrinkage in this network, the present study investigated relationships between brain shrinkage and decision-making impairments in alcohol-dependent individuals early in abstinence using voxel-based morphometry. Thirty patients performed the Iowa Gambling Task and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging investigation (1.5T). Decision-making performances and brain data were compared with those of age-matched healthy controls. In the alcoholic group, a multiple regression analysis was conducted with two predictors (gray matter [GM] volume and decision-making measure) and two covariates (number of withdrawals and duration of alcoholism). Compared with controls, alcoholics had impaired decision-making and widespread reduced gray matter volume, especially in regions involved in decision-making. The regression analysis revealed links between high GM volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right hippocampal formation, and high decision-making scores (P< 0.001, uncorrected). Decision-making deficits in alcoholism may result from impairment of both emotional and cognitive networks.
Neuronal cell‐type specific DNA methylation patterns of the Cacna1c gene
Authors: Nishioka Masaki , Shimada Takafumi , Bundo Miki , Ukai Wataru , Hashimoto Eri , Saito Toshikazu , Kano Yukiko , Sasaki Tsukasa , Kasai Kiyoto , Kato Tadafumi , Iwamoto Kazuya 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGene expression of the alpha‐1 subunit of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel, CACNA1C, is known to be complexly regulated. Because CACNA1C is not only a crucial gene in normal brain function but also a promising candidate risk gene for psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, elucidating the molecular basis of transcriptional regulatory mechanism will be critically important. Here we examined DNA methylation status of CpG islands and a CpG island shore on mouse Cacna1c in neuronal and non‐neuronal nuclei, which were separated with a fluorescent activated cell sorting technique. We found that neurons and non‐neurons showed differential DNA methylation profile on a CpG island shore. This difference was evolutionarily conserved in human neuronal and non‐neuronal nuclei in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that DNA methylation status on the CpG island shore of Cacna1c may have an important role in transcript regulation.
Maternal death reviews at a rural hospital in Malawi
Authors: Vink Naomi M. , de Jonge Hendrik C.C. , Ter Haar Reynier , Chizimba Ellen M. , Stekelenburg Jelle 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze maternal deaths at Nkhoma Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Hospital and identify factors causing delays in care.MethodsMaternal death audits are performed after every maternal death at Nkhoma CCAP Hospital. Information regarding the care provided at the health facility, the referral process, and any delays in the community was collected by an audit team using a structured approach. Data from August 2007 to September 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 61 maternal deaths occurred during the study period, of which 58 were analyzed. Most deaths were categorized as indirect (n = 34 [58.6%]). Non‐pregnancy‐related infections were the leading cause of indirect death (n = 22), with meningitis the most common (n = 13). Most patients experienced a delay in seeking care (n = 37 [63.8%]), a transport delay (n = 43 [74.1%]), or a delay in receiving adequate care (n = 34 [58.6%]).ConclusionMost maternal deaths had indirect causes and were associated with delays in all phases. An audit makes clear which part of the referral chain needs to be strengthened. Nkhoma CCAP Hospital has taken steps to address all phases of delay.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes in cases involving extremely young maternal age
Authors: Chantrapanichkul Panicha , Chawanpaiboon Saifon 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess pregnancy outcomes among adolescent girls 16 years old or younger and their newborns.MethodsA cohort study was carried out at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, using completed charts for 1061 girls aged 16 years or younger (study group) and 1100 women aged 20 to 29 years (reference group) delivered at that hospital between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Demographic data, maternal laboratory investigations, maternal complications, placental complications, medications administered in hospital, and neonatal outcomes were recorded.ResultsAnemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; confidence interval [CI], 1.52–2.26); heart disease (OR, 0.38; CI 0.15–0.90), thyroid disorder (OR, 0.054; CI, 0.01–0.40), pulmonary disease (OR, 0.89; CI, 0.41–1.93); medical and obstetrics complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.04; CI, 0.01–0.29), placenta previa (OR 1.04, CI 0.06–16.60), preterm labor (OR, 1.98; CI, 1.55–2.53), as well as mean neonatal weight (2830.77 ± 81.31 g and 3038.53 ± 482.23 g; P = 0.001) were different in the 2 groups and the differences were statistically significant.ConclusionAdverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were common in the study group. Extensive education about contraception and safe sex on the one hand, and an effective care plan if pregnancy occurs, should be provided to teenage girls to reduce these poor outcomes.
Increasing strict protection through protected areas on Brazilian private lands
Authors: CROUZEILLES RENATO , VALE MARIANA M. , CERQUEIRA RUI , GRELLE CARLOS E. V. 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYA key strategy to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation involves the establishment of protected areas (PAs). Worldwide, c. 13% of land lies within PAs, but only 6% is subject to the more restrictive International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories I-IV. Private PAs may contribute to this figure, but require general guidance principles for their management. The Brazilian ‘Private Natural Heritage Reserves’ (RPPNs) constitute an example of good PA management, employing seven principles that should guide the creation of all private PAs. RPPNs have legal status and long-term security, allow only for indirect human uses, and provide a strategic conservation role in highly fragmented landscapes by improving connectivity. However, RPPNs are virtually absent from the World Database on Protected Areas, and given Brazil's continental size, and the considerable and increasing number of RPPNs in Brazil, this omission has the potential to skew accurate quantification of the area of land subject to strict protection. The RPPN model can make an important contribution to the discussion of the role of private PAs in conservation, especially in the tropics.
In vivo assessment of cancerous tumors using boron doped diamond microelectrode
Authors: Fierro Stéphane , Yoshikawa Momoko , Nagano Osamu , Yoshimi Kenji , Saya Hideyuki , Einaga Yasuaki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe in vitro and in vivo electrochemical detection of the reduced form of glutathione (L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) using boron doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode for potential application in the assessment of cancerous tumors is presented. Accurate calibration curve for the determination of GSH could be obtained by the in vitro electrochemical measurements. Additionally, it was shown that it was possible to separate the detection of GSH from the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) using chronoamperometry measurements. In vivo GSH detection measurements have been performed in human cancer cells inoculated in immunodeficient mice. These measurements have shown that the difference of GSH level between cancerous and normal tissues can be detected. Moreover, GSH detection measurements carried out before and after X-ray irradiation have proved that it is possible to assess in vivo the decrease in GSH concentration in the tumor after a specific treatment.
Thirst in heart failure: a systematic literature review
Authors: Waldréus Nana , Hahn Robert G. , Jaarsma Tiny 
Published: November 2012

AimsAlthough patients with heart failure (HF) may suffer from severe thirst, this has received little attention in scientific studies. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyse data on thirst in HF.Methods and resultsPubmed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Medline databases were searched for original studies on patients with HF with thirst as an outcome measure. Of 174 screened citations, nine articles were included, in which a total of 4375 HF patients had been studied. Four studies comprising 181 patients provided visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Median thirst intensity ranged from 23 to 75 mm (VAS 0–100 mm). One study showed 2% prevalence of thirst in a placebo group and another study showed that 46% of HF patients (n = 25) experienced thirst distress. Thirst was described as annoying and as a cause of suffering. In most studies, the main results reflect a poor description of several dimensions of thirst. Factors that affected thirst were related to treatment, HF condition, demographics, and emotions. The consequences of thirst in HF were related to compliance, preoccupation with thirst, and a negative impact on quality of life.ConclusionThirst may be increased and experienced as distressing in patients with HF, but there is limited knowledge about the causative factors. More research is needed to study the effects of thirst and effective interventions in order to relieve troublesome thirst in HF patients.
In situ target strength estimates of optically verified southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis)
Authors: O'Driscoll Richard L. , Oeffner Johannes , Dunford Adam J. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
O'Driscoll, R. L., Oeffner, J., and Dunford, A. J. 2013. In situ target strength estimates of optically verified southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 431–439. Estimates of the acoustic target strength (TS) of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) at 38 kHz were obtained using an autonomous acoustic–optical system (AOS) mounted on a demersal trawl. Data were collected from aggregations of spawning adult [mean fork length (FL) 34.4 cm] and immature (mean FL 24.6 cm) southern blue whiting south of New Zealand. Mean TS was estimated from 162 tracks containing 695 echoes from targets identified from video as southern blue whiting. The mean TS was –37.9 dB with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of –39.7 to –36.6 dB for 21 immature fish and –34.6 dB (95% CI –35.4 to –34.0 dB) for 141 adults. A logarithmic fit through the mean TS values produced a TS–fork length (FL) relationship from optically verified targets of TS = 22.06 log10FL – 68.54. This new relationship gives TS values within 1 dB of those estimated using the relationship recently adopted by ICES for blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) of TS = 20 log10TL – 65.2 (where TL is total length) obtained from in situ measurements, but higher values than those estimated from the previous relationship for southern blue whiting of TS = 38 log10FL – 97, which was based on swimbladder modelling.
How should inmates be released from prison? An assessment of parole versus fixed-sentence regimes *
Authors: Kuziemko Ilyana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOver the past 30 years, many states have abolished parole boards, which traditionally have had the discretion to release inmates before the expiration of their full sentence, in favor of fixed-sentence regimes in which the original sentence is binding. However, if prison time lowers recidivism risk and if parole boards can accurately estimate inmates’ recidivism risk, then relative to a fixed-sentence regime, parole can provide allocative-efficiency benefits (costly prison space is allocated to the highest-risk offenders) and incentive benefits (prisoners know they must reduce their recidivism risk to gain an early release, so invest in their own rehabilitation). Exploiting quasi-experiments from the state of Georgia, I show that prison time reduces recidivism risk and that parole boards set prison time in an allocatively efficient manner. Prisoners respond to these incentives; after a reform that eliminated parole for certain offenders, they accumulated a greater number of disciplinary infractions, completed fewer prison rehabilitative programs, and recidivated at higher rates than inmates unaffected by the reform. I estimate that eliminating parole for all prisoners would increase the prison population by 10% while also increasing the crime rate through deleterious effects on recidivism.
Leadership in a therapeutic environment. “What a long, strange trip it is”
Authors: Rollinson Richard 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThe aim is to explore important perspectives and structures that can inform leadership in a therapeutic environment based on psychodynamic principles.Design/methodology/approachThe experiences of the author as Director of the Mulberry Bush (1991‐2001) are used as a focus for inquiry into the challenges and issues that emerge in relation to leadership.FindingsIt was found that certain key features of leadership when exercised – attending to beginning and endings, emotional containment and holding in mind, “holding the line” and tolerating uncertainty – more reliably ensure the continuity of a healthy therapeutic environment.Practical implicationsLeadership informed by a psychodynamic perspective and reflections can assist the leader, the team, the residents and the entire organisation to focus on not only creating but also sustaining a way of living and learning together that will produce learning, changing, growing and “going”.Originality/valueThe exploration of the subject of leadership in this context contributes to broadening and deepening understanding in the sector of the significance of leadership and how best to engage with its challenges in a way that more reliably ensures the continuity of going on being and growing that is needed at the heart of a therapeutic environment.
The therapeutic community impulse: what makes it grow?
Authors: Kennard David 
Published: November 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide a history and a prehistory of the therapeutic community movement, and a series of questions still debated in the field.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the factors which favour the creation of therapeutic communities, drawing on Winnicott's views on democracy and the history of therapeutic community innovations. Some key factors are identified and their implications discussed.FindingsThe paper suggests that the therapeutic community impulse takes root where a number of individuals, with what Winnicott has called the “democratic tendency”, come together in response to a community's need for psychological care and support, and this can happen anywhere.Originality/valueThe paper offers a history and a prehistory of the therapeutic community movement, and draws out some of the implications for the future development of therapeutic communities and the nurturing of the therapeutic community impulse.
Perennial habitat fragments, parasitoid diversity and parasitism in ephemeral crops
Authors: Letourneau Deborah K. , Bothwell Allen Sara G. , Stireman John O. 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Agricultural intensification has led to the removal of semi‐wild, perennial vegetation in agricultural landscapes. However, in short‐cycle crops, frequent disturbance from insecticides, harvesting and tillage disrupts the establishment of resident communities of natural enemies of pests. Semi‐wild perennial vegetation may provide critical habitat for mobile arthropods supporting ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture.
We sampled tachinid parasitoids, an important taxon for biological control of vegetable pests, in 35 organic farm fields situated within a mosaic of agricultural, residential and preserved lands in coastal California. Using a GIS, we characterized land‐use and vegetative cover within 500 and 1500 m, including grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands and coniferous forests.
The abundance and species richness of tachinid flies captured in Malaise traps in spring and summer were positively associated with the cover of semi‐wild perennial vegetation, especially in mesic habitats. The effective number of tachinid species (eH) was correlated positively with semi‐wild perennial vegetation cover and negatively with annual crop cover in the landscape in September and May.
The richness of parasitoids emerging from sentinel lepidopteran pests exposed on potted plants within farm fields was negatively associated with annual cropland cover. Parasitism rates dropped precipitously as percentage annual crop cover exceeded species‐specific thresholds.
Synthesis and applications. Maintaining semi‐wild, perennial habitat fragments as refugia to support parasitoids can increase biodiversity and provide ecosystem services in annual and short‐cycle crop fields. Our results indicated that crop pests escaped parasitism by two important tachinid species in landscapes with greater than 38% and 51% cover of annual cropland, respectively. Landscape‐level research is critical for integrating science and policy to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable agroecosystems and evaluate new anti‐wildlife vegetation removal campaigns that may harm biological control agents while targeting microbial food contamination.
Polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity in leaves and flowers of Tunisian Globularia alypum L. (Globulariaceae)
Authors: Chograni Hnia , Riahi Leila , Zaouali Yosr , Boussaid Mohamed 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLeaves and flowers from Tunisian Globularia alypum were assessed for their phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Phenolic (15.5–22.30 mg GAE g−1 DW) and flavonoid (3.63–4.72 mg RE g−1 DW) contents varied according to plant part. Globularia alypum leaves exhibited the highest phenol and flavonoid contents, and displayed the highest antioxidant activity, based on radical‐scavenging activity (295 μmol TEAC g−1 DW) and ferric reducing power (24.27 mmol Fe2+/l). The obtained results demonstrated that some of the isolated compounds play an important role for the antioxidant activity of G. alypum and give a scientific basis to the use of this plant in traditional medicine. The methanolic extract of G. alypum could be considered as a source of potential antioxidants and will promote the reasonable usage of this plant in food technology and processing as well as for medical use.
Evolution of overweight prevalence among 5–6‐year‐old children according to socio‐economic status
Authors: Thibault Hélène , Carriere Caroline , Langevin Coralie , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Maurice Sylvie 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo assess time trends in overweight and obesity prevalence among 5–6‐year‐old children of Bordeaux city (France) over seven school years from 2004–2005 to 2010–2011.MethodsFor each year, all 5–6‐year‐old children from 63 of the 69 schools of Bordeaux were included: 2005, 2100, 2010, 1952, 2040, 2017 and 2111 subjects, respectively. Weight and height were collected by school doctors, and weight status was defined according to the age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index cut‐off points of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) for obesity and to the French age‐ and gender‐specific child cut‐off (close to the IOTF cut‐off) for overweight including obesity.ResultsFrom 2004–2005 to 2010–2011, an overall decrease was observed in overweight including obesity (from 8.9% to 5.2%, p < 0.001) and obesity prevalences (from 2.8% to 1.4%, p = 0.046). Similar results were observed in non‐low socio‐economic status (SES) areas (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence did not vary significantly in low‐SES areas (p > 0.05).ConclusionOverweight prevalence has decreased between 2004 and 2011 in 5–6‐year‐old children from Bordeaux. However, the gap between low and non‐low‐SES areas has persisted during these years.
Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation
Authors: Akın Leyla , Kurtoglu Selim , Yikilmaz Ali , Kendirci Mustafa , Elmalı Ferhan , Mazicioglu Mümtaz 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c‐IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes.MethodsA total of 157 obese patients (78 boys and 79 girls, mean age: 11.3 ± 2.6 years, age range: 6–16 years) were enrolled in the study. Aminotransferase, fasting glucose and lipid levels were determined. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The c‐IMT was measured. Infectious and metabolic causes of elevated liver enzymes were excluded. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on ultrasound scan.ResultsObese patients with NAFLD had markedly increased carotid IMT (mean: 0.48 mm, 95% CI: 0.47–0.49) than those without NAFLD (mean: 0.45 mm 95% CI: 0.44‐0.45, p < 0.001). The presence of NAFLD significantly increased c‐IMT whether the patient had elevated liver enzyme or not (ANOVA, p < 0.001). In a multiple‐regression model, only the presence of NAFLD was associated with increased c‐IMT (β = 0.031, SE (β) = 0.008, p < 0.001).ConclusionObese children and adolescents with NAFLD are at risk of early atherosclerotic changes. As liver function tests are not sufficient to identify patients with fatty liver, ultrasonographic evaluation of NAFLD might be considered in all obese children and adolescents.
The natural history of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms in the community and its effects on survival: a longitudinal 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Ford A. C. , Forman D. , Bailey A. G. , Axon A. T. R. , Moayyedi P. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundGastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) are common in the community. However, few studies have examined their long‐term natural history, or impact on survival.AimTo examine these issues in individuals recruited into a community‐based screening programme for Helicobacter pylori in 1994.MethodsData on mortality and cause of death at 10 years were obtained from the Office for National Statistics. Baseline demographic data, lifestyle factors, gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life were recorded at study entry. The effect of all these factors on persistent and new‐onset GERS, and 10‐year mortality, were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HR) with 99% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf 3967 individuals providing complete GERS data at baseline and 10 years, 549 (13.8%) had GERS at baseline. Of these, 183 (33.3%) had persistent symptoms. Among 3418 individuals asymptomatic at baseline, approximately 0.8% per year developed new‐onset GERS. No predictors of persistent GERS were identified. New‐onset symptoms were associated with lower quality of life or presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at baseline, and higher body mass index (BMI) at 10 years. There were 8331 (99.1%) of 8407 subjects providing complete GERS data at baseline, 1289 (15.5%) of whom were symptomatic. Presence of GERS at baseline did not affect survival (HR: 0.84; 99% CI: 0.44–1.59).ConclusionsGastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms persisted in one‐third of individuals, whilst new‐onset gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms were associated with poor quality of life, irritable bowel syndrome and higher body mass index. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms did not impact adversely on survival.