bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal physical morbidity associated with denial of pregnancy
Authors: Schultz Meleesa J. , Bushati Tony 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDenial of pregnancy, an inappropriate reaction where the woman does not consciously recognise her pregnancy, has been widely associated with poor outcomes for the woman's mental health, the events of labour and the newborn's health. However, reports of maternal physical complications are rare.AimsTo evaluate the physical morbidity associated with denial of pregnancy.Materials and MethodsBirth records from 2007 to 2013 were searched for women who did not receive any antenatal care. The medical records of women with denial of pregnancy were then examined in detail. The primary outcome measure was physical morbidity in women with denial of pregnancy until labour, using the hospital's general obstetric population as a comparator.ResultsSix cases of denial of pregnancy (involving five women) were identified, a rate of 1:1420 births. All characteristics and complications were in keeping with previous studies, except regarding maternal physical morbidity. Three of the five women experienced physical complications, namely pre‐eclampsia and its sequelae. Concerningly, two of these women required admission to the intensive care unit, one after an eclamptic seizure. These complications were significantly higher than in the hospital's wider obstetric population (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsPrevious reports of low maternal physical morbidity associated with denial of pregnancy are likely a reflection of low rates of diagnosis and underreporting. Given this study's increased rate of maternal physical morbidity and the implications this has for the women's future pregnancies, this underlines the importance of actively considering physical complications in women presenting with denial of pregnancy.
CFH polymorphisms in a Northern Spanish population with neovascular and dry forms of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: García Montserrat , Álvarez Lydia , Nogacka Alicja M. , González‐Iglesias Héctor , Escribano Julio , Fernández‐Vega Beatriz , Fernández‐Vega Álvaro , Fernández‐Vega Luis , Coca‐Prados Miguel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo elucidate the potential role of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in complement factor H (CFH) gene in Northern Spanish patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsA case–control study of 130 unrelated native Northern Spanish diagnosed with AMD (46 dry, 35 neovascular and 49 mixed) and 96 healthy controls matched by age and ethnicity were enrolled. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for AMD‐associated SNPs (rs3753394, rs529825, rs800292, rs3766404, rs203674, rs10671170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) using TaqMan probes and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The association study was performed using the HaploView 4.0 software.ResultsThe allelic frequency analysis revealed that rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs10671170 were significantly associated with an increased risk for AMD. The haplotypes CGG (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and GCAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were significantly associated with AMD while the haplotypes CAA (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and TTAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were found to be protective. Small differ‐ences in allelic frequencies were found between dry and neovascular cases; however, these differences were not significant and did not distinguish one form the other.ConclusionsThis study found significant association of SNPs rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs1061170 in the CFH gene with susceptibility to AMD. We identified haplotypes that confer protection or increased risk of AMD but not specific genetic variants in CFH capable to distinguish the different clinical forms of AMD in this cohort. Collectively, our results confirmed that CFH represents a strong genetic risk factor for this disease in the Northern Spanish population.
A DIRECTIONAL DISTANCE APPROACH APPLIED TO HIGHER EDUCATION: AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING‐RELATED OUTPUT EFFICIENCY
Authors: BARRA Cristian , ZOTTI Roberto 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper applies a data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to assess technical efficiency of both private and public universities in Italy. A directional distance function approach has been applied in order to handle both desirable (i.e. number of graduates) and undesirable (i.e. number of dropouts) outputs. The findings based on a panel from academic year 2003/2004 to 2007/2008 reveal the presence of interesting geographical (both by macro areas and regions) and ownership (private, public) effects. Several quality and quantity proxies have also been used in order to check whether the estimates depend on the output specification. Finally, the possible evidence of variation in the universities’ performances by subject of study has been taken into account in order to check whether the results are still consistent comparing universities within subject rather than across subjects.
Clinicopathological features of plasmablastic multiple myeloma: a population‐based cohort
Authors: Møller Hanne E. H. , Preiss Birgitte S. , Pedersen Per , Kristensen Ida B. , Hansen Charlotte T. , Frederiksen Mikael , Abildgaard Niels , Møller Michael B. 
Published: July 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant hematological disease displaying considerable heterogeneity. Historical data indicate a prognostic significance of plasmablastic morphology, proliferation, and adverse cytogenetics, but there is little knowledge on the degree of interdependency of these parameters. The aim of this study was to study the degree of overlap between these variables. In a consecutive population‐based cohort of 194 untreated MM patients, morphology, and proliferation index, using immunohistochemical double staining for Ki‐67 and CD138, was analyzed. In addition, cytogenetic changes were studied by karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Plasmablastic morphology correlated with unfavorable clinical features, high proliferation index, high percentage of plasma cell infiltration in the bone marrow, abnormal karyotype, and del(13q) detected by karyotyping, which indicates that plasmablastic morphology reflects advanced and highly proliferative disease. However, plasmablastic morphology did not correlate with established adverse prognostic cytogenetics identified by FISH, for example, t(4;14), t(14;16) and del(17p).
Identification of Toxoplasma gondii protein fractions induce immune response against melanoma in mice
Authors: Boghozian Roobina , Saei Azad , Mirzaei Reza , Jamali Arezoo , Vaziri Behrooz , Razavi Alireza , Hadjati Jamshid 
Published: July 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses against tumor cells. We recently found that protein components of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) could mature DCs efficiently. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to find the most effective protein components of T. gondii which are able to mature DCs and consequently instruct immune responses in tumor‐bearing mice. Soluble tachyzoite antigens (STAgs) were fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and subsequently by anion‐exchange HPLC. Immature DCs (iDCs) were treated by these protein fractions and were monitored for IL‐12p70 and IL‐10 production. Moreover, the capacity of mature DCs (mDCs) to induce lymphocyte proliferation was investigated. Ultimately, we analyzed the ability of mDCs in instructing immune responses in tumor‐bearing mice. We found that ammonium sulfate fraction one (A1) matured‐DCs produced higher IL‐12 level and IL‐12/IL‐10 ratio; therefore, this fraction was selected for further fractionation by anion‐exchange HPLC. The results showed that anion‐exchange HPLC fraction 14 (C14) matured‐DCs secrete higher levels of IL‐12p70 and IL‐12p70/IL‐10 ratio. Survival of the mice matured by A1 fraction increased significantly compared to other groups. Moreover, SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis showed that different obtained fractions have distinct proteins based on their size. These results demonstrate that two protein fractions of T. gondii are able to mature DCs more efficient.
Comparison effects of dietary iron dextran and bacterial‐iron supplementation on growth performance, fecal microbial flora, and blood profiles in sows and their litters
Authors: Zhao Pinyao , Upadhaya Santi Devi , Li Jian , Kim Inho 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study was conducted to compare effects of dietary administration of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron on growth performance, fecal microbial flora, and blood profiles in sows and their litters. A total of 20 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted into two treatments: (i) ID (basal diet, piglets were injected with iron dextran); (ii) BR (basal diet + bacterial‐iron; bacterial‐iron was given to sows, piglets were not injected with iron dextran). There were five replicates per treatment with two sows per replicate. No differences were observed on sow and piglet growth performance, fecal microbial flora as well as sow blood profiles between ID and BR treatments. In piglets, blood iron, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in ID treatment were higher (P < 0.05) on days 12 and 24. Furthermore, concentration of white blood cells in BR treatment was lower (P < 0.05) on day 12. However, the percentage of lymphocytes on day 12 was increased (P < 0.05) in BR treatment. In conclusion, effect of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron has no difference on growth performance in lactating sows and piglets, but iron dextran injection has higher blood iron, white blood cell, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in piglets.
Influence of weaning age on the villous height and disaccharidase activities in the porcine small intestine
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Inoue Ryo , Nakatani Masako , Fukuta Kikuto , Kishino Eriko , Ito Tetsuya , Ushida Kazunari 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBody weight gain after weaning is correlated with villous height and disaccharidase activity. This evidence suggests that the maintenance of the small intestinal structure and function after weaning is important for the growth of piglets. We demonstrated that the influence of weaning age was obtained by disaccharidase activities and villous height in eight sections of the porcine small intestine. Therefore, we designed three weaning ages (weaned at the ages of 14, 21 or 28 days) and the piglets were slaughtered after 7 or 14 days post‐weaning. The remaining suckling piglets were slaughtered at the age of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Four piglets were slaughtered at each event; therefore, 44 piglets were used in this study. Villous height and disaccharidase activities were measured in each section of the small intestine. Early weaning such as that at 14 days had severe influence on villous and disaccharidase activities. In particular, weaning of 14‐day‐olds did not result in maltase activity at least 2 weeks post‐weaning. Accordingly, the weaning age of crossbred piglets is recommended to be at least 21 days or more on the basis of villous height and disaccharidase activity analyses.
Students' approaches to the evaluation of digital information: Insights from their trust judgments
Authors: Johnson Frances , Sbaffi Laura , Rowley Jennifer 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study contributes to an understanding of the role of experience in the evaluation phase of the information search process. A questionnaire‐based survey collected data from 1st and 3rd‐year undergraduate students regarding the factors that influence their judgment of the trustworthiness of online health information. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. First‐year students identified four factors: ease of use, content, recommendation and brand. Third‐year students identified seven factors, in order of importance: content, credibility, recommendation, ease of use, usefulness, style and brand. They also were much clearer about their evaluation processes than 1st‐year students; for 3rd‐year students, the factor structure was clearer, and items generally loaded onto the expected factors. The significance of these findings is discussed and recommendations for practice and further research are offered.
Game‐based learning engagement: A theory‐ and data‐driven exploration
Authors: Ke Fengfeng , Xie Kui , Xie Ying 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe promise of using games for learning is that play‐ and learning‐engagement would occur cohesively as a whole to compose a highly motivated learning experience. Yet the conceptualization of such an integrative process in the development of play‐based learning engagement is lacking. In this analytical paper, we explored and conceptualized the nature and development of game‐based learning engagement via an iterative, two‐stage analytical process. The first stage was theory driven. The literatures on motives of play, game and cognitive engagement, and game‐based learning were reviewed and analyzed. Theoretical discussions on how learning engagement is activated and sustained during gameplay were distilled. The second stage was data driven. An in situ, multiple‐case study was conducted to further examine affective and cognitive facets of learning engagement in gaming. The finding suggested that game‐based learning engagement is an integrated and continuing process that advances from affective engagement driven by optimal challenge, cognitive engagement situated in playfulness, to potentially game‐action‐based content engagement.
Time trends, improvements and national auditing of rectal cancer management over an 18‐year period
Authors: Kodeda K. , Johansson R. , Zar N. , Birgisson H. , Dahlberg M. , Skullman S. , Lindmark G. , Glimelius B. , Påhlman L. , Martling A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe main aims were to explore time trends in the management and outcome of patients with rectal cancer in a national cohort and to evaluate the possible impact of national auditing on overall outcomes. A secondary aim was to provide population‐based data for appraisal of external validity in selected patient series.MethodData from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry with virtually complete national coverage were utilized in this cohort study on 29 925 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2012. Of eligible patients, nine were excluded.ResultsDuring the study period, overall, relative and disease‐free survival increased. Postoperative mortality after 30 and 90 days decreased to 1.7% and 2.9%. The 5‐year local recurrence rate dropped to 5.0%. Resection margins improved, as did peri‐operative blood loss despite more multivisceral resections being performed. Fewer patients underwent palliative resection and the proportion of non‐operated patients increased. The proportions of temporary and permanent stoma formation increased. Preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy became more common as did multidisciplinary team conferences. Variability in rectal cancer management between healthcare regions diminished over time when new aspects of patient care were audited.ConclusionThere have been substantial changes over time in the management of patients with rectal cancer, reflected in improved outcome. Much indirect evidence indicates that auditing matters, but without a control group it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the possible impact of a quality control registry on faster shifts in time trends, decreased variability and improvements. Registry data were made available for reference.
Accommodating Presuppositions Is Inappropriate in Implausible Contexts
Authors: Singh Raj , Fedorenko Evelina , Mahowald Kyle , Gibson Edward 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAccording to one view of linguistic information (Karttunen, 1974; Stalnaker, 1974), a speaker can convey contextually new information in one of two ways: (a) byassertingthe content as new information; or (b) bypresupposingthe content as given information which would then have to beaccommodated. This distinction predicts that it is conversationally more appropriate to assert implausible information rather than presuppose it (e.g., von Fintel, 2008; Heim, 1992; Stalnaker, 2002). A second view rejects the assumption that presuppositions are accommodated; instead, presuppositions are assimilated into asserted content and both are correspondingly open to challenge (e.g., Gazdar, 1979; van der Sandt, 1992). Under this view, we should not expect to find a difference in conversational appropriateness between asserting implausible information and presupposing it. To distinguish between these two views of linguistic information, we performed two self‐paced reading experiments with an on‐line stops‐making‐sense judgment. The results of the two experiments—using the presupposition triggerstheandtoo—show that accommodation is inappropriate (makes less sense) relative to non‐presuppositional controls when the presupposed information is implausible but not when it is plausible. These results provide support for the first view of linguistic information: the contrast in implausible contexts can only be explained if there is a presupposition‐assertion distinction and accommodation is a mechanism dedicated to reasoning about presuppositions.
Methylene blue adsorption by chemically activated waste pork bones
Authors: Iriarte‐Velasco Unai , Sierra Irene , Cepeda Emilio Atilano , Bravo Raquel , Ayastuy Jose Luis 
Published: July 2015

Bone is an inorganic template containing organic material inside which can be converted into hydroxyapatite‐rich material by pyrolysis. Nowadays, there is a growing research interest in the use of hydroxyapatite, the chemical formula of which is Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. In the present work, pork bone, an abundant biomass source and food waste, has been converted into structured porous hydroxyapatite by a three‐step process including precharring under mild conditions, chemical activation, and thermal activation. The investigated activating agents were NaOH, KOH, K2CO3, H2SO4, and H3PO4. A thorough investigation of the influence of different activating protocols on the chemical and textural properties of the produced material was carried out by nitrogen adsorption–desorption at 77 K, potentiometric titrations, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Chemical activation with NaOH, K2CO3, and H2SO4 increased the specific surface area up to 53%. H3PO4 reduced both surface area and pore volume, and KOH showed little influence on the pore structure. The produced materials were evaluated by methylene blue adsorption tests and showed significant improvement as a result of chemical activation. As a main effect, acid treatment increased methylene blue adsorption kinetics, probably owing to an increase in micropororosity, whereas alkali activation enhanced the adsorption capacity of the resultant biochar.
Eosinophils in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Authors: Keith Phillip J. , Wolz Michael M. , Peters Margot S. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThe classic histopathologic features of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS) include lymphoplasmacytic inflammation below a zone of dermal edema and sclerosis. The presence of eosinophils in LS has received little attention, but the finding of tissue eosinophils, particularly eosinophilic spongiosis in LS, has been suggested as a marker for the coexistence of autoimmune bullous disease or allergic contact dermatitis (or both). We sought to determine whether the histopathologic presence of dermal eosinophils or eosinophilic spongiosis (or both) in biopsies from patients with LS is associated with autoimmune bullous disease, autoimmune connective tissue disease or allergic contact dermatitis.MethodsA retrospective review of the histopathology and medical records of 235 patients with LS who were evaluated from June 1992 to June 2012 was performed.ResultsSixty‐nine patients (29%) had eosinophils on histopathology. Among patients with associated diseases, a statistically significant association between the eosinophil cohort and the cohort without eosinophils was not detected.ConclusionsThe importance of eosinophils is uncertain, but our data suggest that the finding of tissue eosinophils alone is not sufficient to prompt an extensive workup for additional diagnoses.
Natural bone fragmentation in the blind cave‐dwelling fish, Astyanax mexicanus: candidate gene identification through integrative comparative genomics
Authors: Gross Joshua B. , Stahl Bethany A. , Powers Amanda K. , Carlson Brian M. 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARYAnimals that colonize dark and nutrient‐poor subterranean environments evolve numerous extreme phenotypes. These include dramatic changes to the craniofacial complex, many of which are under genetic control. These phenotypes can demonstrate asymmetric genetic signals wherein a QTL is detected on one side of the face but not the other. The causative gene(s) underlying QTL are difficult to identify with limited genomic resources. We approached this task by searching for candidate genes mediating fragmentation of the third suborbital bone (SO3) directly inferior to the orbit of the eye. We integrated positional genomic information using emerging Astyanax resources, and linked these intervals to homologous (syntenic) regions of the Danio rerio genome. We identified a discrete, approximately 6 Mb, conserved region wherein the gene causing SO3 fragmentation likely resides. We interrogated this interval for genes demonstrating significant differential expression using mRNA‐seq analysis of cave and surface morphs across life history. We then assessed genes with known roles in craniofacial evolution and development based on GO term annotation. Finally, we screened coding sequence alterations in this region, identifying two key genes: transforming growth factor β3 (tgfb3) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4). Of these candidates, tgfb3 is most promising as it demonstrates significant differential expression across multiple stages of development, maps close (<1 Mb) to the fragmentation critical locus, and is implicated in a variety of other animal systems (including humans) in non‐syndromic clefting and malformations of the cranial sutures. Both abnormalities are analogous to the failure‐to‐fuse phenotype that we observe in SO3 fragmentation. This integrative approach will enable discovery of the causative genetic lesions leading to complex craniofacial features analogous to human craniofacial disorders. This work underscores the value of cave‐dwelling fish as a powerful evolutionary model of craniofacial disease, and demonstrates the power of integrative system‐level studies for informing the genetic basis of craniofacial aberrations in nature.